Latest From Baghdad Downs: Iraqi Pair Edge Out Americans In President’s Cup!

In the first running of the President’s Cup early today in Baghdad, the Iraqi’s finally broke the stranglehold of the Americans. Riding for the U.S., jockey Paul “the whip” Bremer was not able to withstand a late charge by Governing Council, which placed second. Heading into the last turn, another Iraqi entry, Pachachi, dropped back right in front of Bremer. At the same time, a longshot and local favorite, al-Yawar, cut up the middle finishing first by a nose.

After the race, it was announced that Governing Council — which had trouble finding its stride all season — was being retired, and that the Iraqi horses would no longer be trained by the Americans.