Facteur Cheval will test his abilities on dirt later this season, aiming for the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar. Jerome Reynier’s consistent performer has excelled at around a mile, with a notable win over nine furlongs in the Dubai Turf. The idea of trying him on dirt emerged after his Dubai performances and subsequent defeats at Royal Ascot and in the Sussex Stakes.
Barry Irwin, CEO of Team Valor International, noted that Facteur Cheval impressed in a dirt workout in Dubai. “Jerome jokingly suggested we should run him in the World Cup instead of the Turf,” Irwin said. “We’re targeting the Breeders’ Cup Classic, but if the ground suits, he might run in the Prix du Moulin; otherwise, he’ll wait for the Classic.”
A strong performance in the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic could lead to more dirt opportunities in 2025, including the Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup. Irwin praised Reynier’s upcoming partnership with Jean-Claude Rouget, saying, “Jerome is ambitious and smart, and I’m confident he’ll handle the new challenge well.”