John Shirreffs scratched a major to-do item from his diminishing bucket list when Express Train won the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) on Saturday at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif.
“I just let Victor (Espinoza) ride the race,” the trainer said. “He's ridden him enough and worked him enough; he knows the horse, has a lot of experience and makes good decisions.
“I was surprised (runner-up) Warrant was so tough (losing by a head), but was overjoyed and pleased with the grit Express Train showed.
“It reminded me of Trevor Denman's words, 'The more they asked, the more he gave' when Express Train won [the 2021 San Diego Handicap (G2) last July] at Del Mar.
“The horse is all heart,” he said of the 5-year-old son of Union Rags.
Sunday morning, the 76-year-old Shirreffs was still basking in the victory, not pondering a future race.
“I don't have anything in mind,” he said, understandably flushed with relief, pride and happiness, all relevant emotions. “The race is over, we'll watch him for a few days and then decide.
“There's a lot of pressure going into the race, the high expectations, you're hoping for the best results, but it's a horse race and a lot of things happen, so that always factors into it.
“But after the victory, it's just elation, really, just such a thrill to win the Santa Anita Handicap, one of the most prestigious races in the country.”
Still remaining on his bucket list is election to the Racing Hall of Fame, as Shirreffs is among those eligible for induction this year. Winners will be announced on May 11.
Shirreffs didn't mince words about possibly being honored.
“Oh, my goodness,” he exclaimed. “That's a crowning achievement in a trainer's career. Just to be considered is great.”
But winning, as Shirreffs did in the Big 'Cap, is everything.
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