ARCADIA, California, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Dejected Rosemary Homeister Jr narrowly failed in her bid on Friday to become only the second female jockey ever to win a Breeders' Cup race.
Riding the Kentucky-bred gelding Cloudy's Knight, the 37-year-old American crossed the finish line a mere nose behind Irish raider Man of Iron in the $500,000 Breeders' Cup Marathon at Santa Anita Park.
Homeister appeared to have the race in control as the nine-year-old galloped down the stretch before being overtaken on the inside at the last gasp by Man of Iron and top Irish jockey Johnny Murtagh.
"I can't fault the horse, he ran his best race," Homeister told reporters after having to settle for second place in the opening event at the two-day world championships. "It was just a bob of the head.
"One horse was coming up to his outside (Mastery), and he kind of accelerated off because he didn't want him to pass him. Unfortunately, we couldn't see the inside horse (Man Of Iron) coming on quick enough
"I never thought the race was won until I got to the wire," added Homeister, who in 2003 became only the fifth woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby.
PERIPHERAL VISION
"You look in your peripheral vision when this horse (Man Of Iron) is coming. He (Cloudy's Knight) was trying, and when we hit the wire, me and the rider (Murtagh) looked at each other.
"I'm like: 'Did you get it?' and he goes: 'I don't know'. When you're that close, it's really hard to tell."
Homeister had been bidding to emulate Hall of Famer Julie Krone, who became the first female jockey to win a Breeders' Cup race on board Halfbridled at the 2003 Juvenile Fillies at Santa Anita.
"When I didn't get it, I did get deflated," Homeister said. "The horse gave such a gallant effort and for him not to win, it just kind of brings you down just a hair.
"But you know what, the horse was still happy. He had his ears up and he came back great."
Cloudy's Knight came into the Marathon with 12 wins in 38 career races. It was Homeister's first loss aboard the Kentucky-bred gelding after winning their two previous rides together earlier this year.
(Editing by Dave Thompson. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
