South African bred champion Gimme A Nother came agonisingly close to adding one of the world’s most prestigious turf races to her remarkable record when finishing a gallant second in the $2 million Gr1 Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Keeneland on Saturday.
Bred by Jessica and Steven Jell of Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein and racing in the colours of their American farm, Newstead Stables LLC, the daughter of Varsfontein Stud’s champion sire Gimmethegreenlight was beaten just three quarters of a length by Kathynmarissa, trained by Chad Brown, in a performance that once again highlighted the quality of South African breeding on the international stage.
Ridden by John Velazquez for trainer Graham Motion, Gimme A Nother enjoyed an excellent passage before finding a gap along the inside turning for home. She struck the front and looked on course for a memorable victory, only to be caught in the closing stages by the fast-finishing Kathynmarissa.
Velazquez admitted afterwards that he believed victory was within his grasp.
“Perfect trip. Thought I was home free. [The winner] just came back and beat me.”
Motion was equally complimentary of his mare’s performance, although he felt she may have reached the front a little too soon.
“That was tough. She looked like she almost got there too easily. I was afraid someone was going to be coming but she ran great.”
Even winning trainer Chad Brown acknowledged the danger posed by the South African mare, admitting that he had been concerned when Gimme A Nother secured a clear passage while his own runner was struggling around the turn.
“I was quite worried because not only did Graham’s horse get a good split, but my filly was off the bridle on the turn,” Brown said.
For Gimme A Nother, the performance was another outstanding chapter in a career that began with an unbeaten 7-race campaign in South Africa under Mike de Kock.
The daughter of Gimmethegreenlight and the outstanding Nother Russia, herself a multiple Gr 1 winning daughter of Tiger Ridge, won 5 Graded races in succession in South Africa.
Her achievements earned her the title of South Africa’s Champion 3YO Filly for the 2023/24 season.
Since relocating to the United States, Gimme A Nother has continued to build on that exceptional foundation, adding the Gr2 John C. Mabee Stakes at Del Mar in 2025, followed by the Gr3 Eatontown Stakes and Gr2 Beverly D. Stakes in 2026.
She subsequently recorded a memorable international Grade 1 victory in the E.P. Taylor Stakes at Woodbine in Canada in September, a success that secured her place in Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup field.
Gimme A Nother is the third generation of an exceptional Wilgerbosdrift female family to achieve success at the highest level.
Her sire Gimmethegreenlight, a son of More Than Ready, has established himself as one of South Africa’s most influential stallions. Standing at Varsfontein Stud, he has consistently produced top class performers including South African and Australian Gr1 winner and sire Yulong Prince, with Gimme A Nother providing further evidence of his ability to sire horses capable of competing successfully on the international stage.
From an unbeaten champion in South Africa to a Grade 1 winner in Canada and now a narrow runner up at the prestigious Breeders’ Cup meeting, Gimme A Nother continues to demonstrate that South African-bred horses belong among the world’s best.
Photo credit: Eclipse Sportswire / Breeders’ Cup Photos ©
