HORSE RACING

• Man of Iron takes Breeders' Cup Marathon to begin Championships

  
  

  Arcadia, CA (Sports Network) - Day One of the 26th Breeders' Cup World Championships has gotten underway at Santa Anita Park with Man of Iron winning the $500,000 Marathon.

  Ridden by John Murtagh, Man of Iron defeated Cloudy's Knight by a nose in the 1 3/4 mile race.

  The Breeders' Cup began under sunny skies with a post-time temperature of 70 degrees.

  This is the second straight year the World Championships are being held at Santa Anita.

  Setting the pace in the Marathon was Black Astor with Nite Light running in second and 2008 winner Muhannak in third. Not far behind the leaders was 7-5 favorite Mastery.

  With a mile to run Black Astor still had the lead followed by Nite Light, Muhannak, Sir Dave and Mastery. Entering the far turn Mastery drew closer to the lead as Cloudy's Knight ranged on the outside.

  Cloudy's Knight took the lead around the final turn with Mastery moving into second. At the top of the stretch Cloudy's Knight had the lead over Mastery as Man of Iron began to rally on the inside.

  At the wire Man of Iron caught Cloudy's Knight to win the race with Mastery third and Gangbuster finishing fourth in the 10 horse field.

  The time for the Breeders' Cup Marathon was 2:54.11.

  Man of Iron is trained by Aidan O'Brien for Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith.

  The Europeran based three-year-old has now four of 10 career starts.

  The Marathon victory was worth $300,000 to bring his career earnings to $356,506.

  Man Of Iron paid $14.80, $7.20 and $4.40. Cloudy's Knight returned $7.40 and $4.60, and Mastery paid $2.40 to show.

  11/06 15:58:23 ET