In Our Time Proves Best in Giant's Causeway

It was at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale where John Stewart first began a spending spree that would quickly capture the attention of the Thoroughbred industry and launch his path to competing on an international scale with Resolute Racing. Yet, with all the travels and competition across the globe, to Stewart there is still nothing quite like competing in the races at Keeneland itself. On April 12, Stewart experienced his first graded triumph in Lexington as In Our Time soared to victory in the $393,475 Giant's Causeway Stakes (G2T). "It's a dream come true for us to win here," Stewart told Keeneland's Scott Hazelton in the winner's circle. "We think Keeneland is the best place to race horses in the world, and Lord knows we've spent enough money here. I'm really glad we got it done today." The 5-year-old Not This Time mare co-owned by Miller Racing who accomplished that dream for Stewart was one who was overlooked early in her career. After selling for $325,000 at the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, she would RNA for just $9,000 when returning to the Keeneland sales ring for the 2024 January Horses of All Ages Sale. Two months later for JWS Racing and trainer Jack Sisterson, she would debut a winner for a $12,500 tag. After her third start, she would be purchased privately by Miller Racing and moved to the barn of Saffie Joseph Jr. In November 2024, she won her first stakes. Two months later, in her first start with Resolute buying in as co-owners, she would throw her hat in the ring as a legitimate runner when third in the Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G2T). She would pick up five more graded placings before Sunday, including a runner-up finish in the Matriarch Stakes (G1T) last November at Del Mar. Her performance in the Giant's Causeway would leave one wondering how a graded victory had ever been elusive. Cutting back to one turn traveling 5 1/2 furlongs, she popped smartly out of gate five for jockey Flavien Prat and found herself in her typical leading role through the opening furlong. However, Jose Ortiz aboard favored Shining Star (CHI) would move forward, with Hector Berrios chasing with Saratoga Special (IRE). Prat was content to ease back and sit the pocket trip in third. Turning for home, Shining Star drifted far enough off the rail for Prat to retain his inside position. When he called on In Our Time to punch through, it was game over. She passed the frontrunners with ease before hitting the wire 1 3/4 lengths clear of Creed's Gold, who was another 1 1/2 lengths clear of Movin' On Up, another Joseph trainee, nosing Time to Dazzle out of third. "She jumped so well and showed a lot of speed out of there but then was able to rate nicely behind the speed," Prat told Hazelton. "I was able to give her a chance around the turn. When I was able to get her inside, she gave me a good run." After quick fractions of :21.62 and :44.52, Shining Star would fade to ninth with Saratoga Special a neck back in 10th. In Our Time would finish in 1:02.17, paying $12.88 to win. "I think it was a perfect ride by one of the greatest jockeys in the world, and we got a really talented horse," Stewart said. "We're excited, with the Breeders' Cup being here this year, I think look forward to seeing her there as long as she stays healthy." The Giant's Causeway capped a big weekend for Joseph after training Claret Beret to win the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) at Oaklawn Park April 11. Claret Beret, like In Our Time, is a daughter of Not This Time. In Our Time became the current North American leading sire by progeny earnings' sixth graded winner of the year—a list topped by $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) winner Magnitude. He stands the 2026 season at Taylor Made Stallions for a $250,000 fee. Bred in Kentucky by Brian Kahn, In Our Time is the second stakes winner and first graded winner out of the winning Cactus Ridge mare Laura's Pleasure.