The Hirsch Turf Classic (Grade 1)- $500.00 Purse
BEL- For Three Year Olds and Upward
One Mile and One Half on the Turf
September 26, 2026

Typically, the Hirsch Turf Classic is a race that we can look forward to every year in anticipation of the BC Turf. However, rain would lead us with yielding turf, and the scratching of half the field. Problem is, when you only six to start with, that doesn’t lead you with much. The race would be won by Mistborn, for Mb Stables, and it gives him his fifth win in this race. There’s some good names with those other winners, and they include: Spanish Showboat (2014), War Scent (2015), Chrystal Pip (2016), and Immoral (2020). L Saez is a first time winner. Congratulations to them! Since this was only a three horse field with only two trainers participate, I am not going to do my usual detailed recap. The Hirsch Turf Classic probably deserves better, but it also deserves better than three taking part.

1st- Mistborn (Mb Stables) (5/2)- Went to the front right away, and at one time opened up a lead as big as eight lengths. Cruised around the clubhouse turn and worked down the backstretch with no one near him. Into the final turn, he still held a massive lead, making it seem like a workout to him, and not a $500.00 Grade 1. While Gold Vault cut into the margin at the end to make it look a little closer, this victory could not have been easier. 2:29.67 is the winning time.

2nd- Gold Vault (The Sidley Stud) (17/1)- Ran evenly with Theegala down the frontstretch initially, but into the opening turn he would be a clear second by a length. Down the backstretch, his second spot continued to be safe with no pressure from behind. His second place run would become about as uneventful as Mistborn’s winning run. Never threatening for the win, and never threatened to fall out of second.

3rd- Theegala (Mb Stables) (1/5)- Let his stablemate do his thing up front, and would run side by side with Gold Vault early on. Settled in behind Gold Vault over the first half of the race, but lacked interest in challenging him. At no point did Theegala have any form of spark as he is soundly defeated. But still wins $80.00.

About The Winner- Mistborn, trained by Mb Stables and ridden to victory by L Saez, is a four year old gelding by Kashatreya and is out of Mystified. He was bred in California as a third quarter two year old by Mb Stables, the only trainer for which he has ever known. Congratulations to the connections! The win is his eighth in 14 starts, and his second stake win, each which are graded. His career earnings are now $721.01.

— NS

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES