Tom Eaves still on cloud nine after Breeders’ Cup win

Keith Hamer
November 15, 2020 1:15 pm

Glass Slippers a worthy partner for jockey.

Tom Eaves is still walking on air after his fairytale success aboard Glass Slippers in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Keeneland.

The North Yorkshire-based jockey has been overcome by the phone calls and text messages he has received after he rode the Kevin Ryan-trained four-year-old to become the first European winner of the race.

Eaves has watched the race many times since he got back home – which has made the obligatory self-isolation due to Covid-19 protocols more bearable.

“It’s still sinking in. It was amazing. She was absolutely class,” he said.

The Euros strike at the @keenelandracing – Glass Slippers wins the @BreedersCup Turf Sprint for @kevinryanracing and @tomeaveswigan! #BC20 pic.twitter.com/LGmgy27lBw
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) November 7, 2020

“I’ve watched the race back numerous times. There was a strong pace on. I was happy where I was early on, then you need the gaps to come.

“It was a great training performance by Kevin Ryan – to have her there in that form was a real credit.

“I’m on cloud nine. The phone hasn’t stopped. It means a lot. I’m very thankful for all the messages I’ve had.”

Eaves returns to action at Newcastle on Tuesday, and after the winter all-weather campaign, he can look forward to renewing his association with Glass Slippers as she stays in training for 2021.

He said: “I’ve had to self isolate and you’ve got to stay at home, so I’ve not really been doing a lot, just watching a few replays.

“All the lads who went over are all in the same boat. Those chances don’t come around very often. It was a dream come true.

“I’m going to keep going over the winter and hopefully ride as many winners as I can and get busy.”

He added: “Glass Slippers stays in training next year, so that’s great. No doubt Kevin and the owners will have a chat about what they’re going to do with her.

“She comes good at that time of year. She proved over there that she goes on any ground, she goes round a bend and she’s stays well. She’s very versatile.”