Royal Delta

Dark Bay or Brown Filly
Born 2008
KY-Bred

Royal Delta wins the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (gr. 1)
Jockey: Mike Smith
SANTA ANITA PARK, Arcadia, CA
Purse: $2,000,000
Date: November 2, 2012
Class: Grade I
TV: NBC Sports Network
Age: 3YO&UP
Race: 9
Distance: 1 1/8 miles
Post Time: 4:30 PM PDT — Royal Delta wins the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (gr. 1) Jockey: Mike Smith SANTA ANITA PARK, Arcadia, CA Purse: $2,000,000 Date: November 2, 2012 Class: Grade I TV: NBC Sports Network Age: 3YO&UP Race: 9 Distance: 1 1/8 miles Post Time: 4:30 PM PDT

Royal Delta w/Mike Smith up beat Tiz Miz Sue w/Joseph Rocco Jr. up to win the 75th Running of The Delaware Handicap at Delaware Park on July 21, 2012.

Funny Proposition (far left in blinkers) defeated favored Royal Delta (on rail, B on cap) in the 2013 Fleur de Lis Stakes at Churchill Downs.

Princess of Sylmar, facing older foes for the first time, sprung a mild upset Sept. 28 when the 3-year-old filly collared two-time champion Royal Delta and went on to win the $400,000 Beldame Invitational Stakes (gr. I).
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Royal Delta on the track at Santa Anita Park on October 30, 2013. Photo By: Chad B. Harmon
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Royal Delta, with jockey Jose Lezcano up, wins the Breeders' Cup Distaff.
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Royal Delta wins the 2011 Breeders' Cup Distaff.
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Royal Delta, Jose Lezcano up, wins the 2011 Black Eyed Susan Stakes.
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Mike Smith celebrates after Royal Delta wins the Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I).
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Royal Delta's Breeders' Cup morning jog at Santa Anita.
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Royal Delta wins the $2,000,000 Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I) at Santa Anita Park.
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Mike Smith and Royal Delta after the 2012 Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I).
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Royal Delta works towards the Breeders' Cup at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on Oct. 29, 2011.

Royal Delta wins the Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I), with jockey Mike Smith.
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Royal Delta heads to the winner's circle after wining the Breeders' Cup Distaff.
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Hip 427, Royal Delta, brings $8.5 million at the Keeneland Sales, November 8, 2011.
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Royal Delta in the sales ring at the Keeneland November sale.
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Thank you for everything Royal Delta, we can't wait to see what you do off the track!
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A chilly, cloudless October morning at Beautiful Belmont provided the setting for trainer Bill Mott and his band of Breeders' Cup big guns. First it was Royal Delta who hit the track at 6:45 for her half-mile work.
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Royal Delta and Mike Smith win the Beldame Invitational Stakes (gr. 1).
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Royal Delta wins the Beldame Invitational Stakes (gr. 1)
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Royal Delta wins the Personal Ensign Invitational Handicap (gr. 1).
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Royal Delta wins the $600,000 Personal Ensign Invitational Handicap (gr. 1) with jockey Mike Smith.
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Royal Delta with jockey Jose Lezcano in the saddle blew away the field to win the 131st running of The Alabama Stakes.
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Trainer Bill Mott gives Royal Delta a cooling bath after winning the 131st running of The Alabama Stakes.
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Royal Delta (by Empire Maker) wins the Grade I TVG Alabama Stakes.
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Royal Delta and jockey Mike Smith winning the 2013 Delaware Handicap (gr 1).

Mike Smith shares a moment with Royal Delta in the paddock prior to winning the 75th Running of The Delaware Handicap.
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Royal Delta, with Mike Smith up, holds off Tiz Miz Sue, with Joseph Rocco Jr. up, to win the 75th Running of The Delaware Handicap at Delaware Park.
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Royal Delta and jockey Mike Smith winning the 2013 Delaware Handicap (gr 1) at Delaware Park on July 20, 2013.

Royal Delta in midstretch has a commanding lead during the 2012 Fleur de Lis (gr. II) at Churchill Downs on June 16, 2012.
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Jockey Mike Smith sat motionless in the saddle as Besilu Stables' Royal Delta, drew away to an easy eight-length victory in the 37th running of the $161,700, Grade II Fleur de Lis Handicap.

Royal Delta entering the track for the 2012 Dubai World Cup.
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Royal Delta works at Meydan in preperation for the 2013 Dubai World Cup races.

Royal Delta in Dubai for the World Cup March 27th, 2013.
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Royal Delta has traveled the world and become royalty at the track.
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Royal Delta and jockey Mike Smith win the 2013 Sabin Stakes (gr. 3).
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Royal Delta on the track at Santa Anita Park on October 30, 2013.
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Royal Delta on the track at Santa Anita Park on October 29, 2013. Photo By: Chad B. Harmon
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Royal Delta wins the $100,000 Sabin Stakes (gr. 3).
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Ben Leon approaches the Eclipse Award stage after Royal Delta wins top older female.
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Ben Leon accepts the Eclipse Award for older female Royal Delta.
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Royal Delta wins the Personal Ensign Invitational Handicap (gr. 1)
Jockey: Mike Smith
SARATOGA, Saratoga Springs, NY
Purse: $600,000
Date: August 25, 2013
Class: Grade I
TV: HRTV/TVG
Age: 3YO&UP Fillies and Mares
Race: 10
Distance: 1 1/8 miles
Photo by: Adam Coglianese/NYRA — Royal Delta wins the Personal Ensign Invitational Handicap (gr. 1) Jockey: Mike Smith SARATOGA, Saratoga Springs, NY Purse: $600,000 Date: August 25, 2013 Class: Grade I TV: HRTV/TVG Age: 3YO&UP Fillies and Mares Race: 10 Distance: 1 1/8 miles Photo by: Adam Coglianese/NYRA
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Close Hatches and Royal Delta prep for Breeders' Cup 2013
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Royal Delta - Breeders' Cup, 10/31/2013
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Royal Delta - 2013 Breeders' Cup, October 30, 2013.
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Royal Delta - Belmont Park Work, October 26, 2013.
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Royal Delta wins the 2013 Personal Ensign.
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Royal Delta wins the 2013 Delaware Handicap.

Royal Delta on Belmont's Track 6/2/2013.
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Royal Delta at Meydan in Dubai.
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Royal Delta - Dubai, March 27, 2013.
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Royal Delta wins the Sabin Stakes.
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Royal Delta running in the Sabin Stakes.
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Royal Delta wins the 2012 Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic.
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Royal Delta - Santa Anita October 30, 2012.
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Royal Delta wins the 2012 Beldame.
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Royal Delta wins the 2012 Delaware Handicap.

Royal Delta and Luck Chappy working at Meydan.

Royal Delta wins the 2011 Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic.

Royal Delta at Churchill Downs, October 29, 2011.

Royal Delta at Churchill Downs, October 28, 2011.

Royal Delta wins the 2011 Black-Eyed Susan.

Royal Delta won the 2013 Delaware Handicap.

Bill Mott has had a way with the ladies, including multiple Eclipse award winner Royal Delta.
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News
Profile

Khozan Retired to Journeyman Stud

By Blood-Horse Staff
December 2, 2015
Thoroughbred Racing, Thoroughbred Breeding, Southeast Region

Khozan, a son of Distorted Humor out of grade I producer and graded stakes winner Delta Princess, will stand the 2016 season at Journeyman Stud in Ocala, Fla. A fee will be announced in the future.

Pedigree Analysis: Empire Maker

By Alan Porter
October 23, 2015
Thoroughbred Breeding

Empire Maker has returned to what appears somewhat of a transitional time in the U.S. stallion colony.

Slideshow: Progeny of Empire Maker

October 6, 2015
Thoroughbred Breeding

As he prepares to return to Kentucky, review a selection of successful offspring by Empire Maker. View Slideshow

Progeny of Empire Maker

October 6, 2015

As he prepares to return to Kentucky, review a selection of successful offspring by Empire Maker.

American Trainers Approve Meydan Move to Dirt

The decision to replace the all-weather Tapeta Footings surface at Meydan with dirt has had an impact on the 2015 World Cup races, not least in the regeneration of interest among American trainers.

Report: Six Horses Die in Kentucky Barn Fire

By Ron Mitchell
February 25, 2015
Kentucky

Six horses were reportedly killed during a Feb. 25 early-morning fire that consumed two barns at Chanteclaire Farm near Midway, Ky.

Pletcher Happy With Florida 3-Year-Olds

By Blood-Horse Staff
February 8, 2015
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Southeast Region

Trainer Todd Pletcher won three graded stakes races with older horses Feb. 7 at Gulfstream Park, but he also has a wealth of talented 3-year-olds in South Florida.

Flashy Debut for Royal Delta Half Brother

By Blood-Horse Staff
January 25, 2015
Thoroughbred Racing, Triple Crown, Southeast Region

Not to be missed in all of the stakes races Jan. 24 at Gulfstream Park was a dazzling debut win by Al Shaqab Racing's Khozan, a half brother to three-time Eclipse champion Royal Delta.

Crown Queen Looks Royal in QE II Victory

By Jack Shinar
October 11, 2014
Thoroughbred Racing, Breeders' Cup, Kentucky

Crown Queen, a half sister to champion Royal Delta, earned her first grade I victory with a sparkling late run in the $500,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Presented by Lane's End (gr. IT) at Keeneland Oct. 11.

Minorette a Major Force in Lake Placid

Minorette, winner of the Belmont Invitational Oaks (gr. IT) July 5, brings a pair of bullet works to the Aug. 16 Knob Creek Lake Placid Stakes (gr. IIT) at Saratoga Race Course.

Royal Delta's Dam Delta Princess Euthanized

By Blood-Horse Staff
August 5, 2014
Thoroughbred Breeding, Breeders' Cup, Kentucky

Delta Princess, the dam of champion Royal Delta, was euthanized Aug. 5 due to a degenerative stifle condition according to a release from Adena Springs.

TimeformUS Weekend Stakes Analysis

July 11, 2014
Thoroughbred Racing, Handicapping

TimeformUS Weekend stakes analysis of the G1 Delaware Handicap and G2 Bowling Green Handicap. read blog

Take Charge Lady Kentucky Broodmare of Year

Eaton Sales' Take Charge Lady, the dam of champion 3-year-old colt Will Take Charge, was honored as Broodmare of the Year by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association at its annual awards luncheon April 17.

Two Bring Seven Figures at F-T Florida Sale

It's not often that the connections of a one-horse consignment lead over a sale topper at public auction, but that's exactly what happened to Hoby and Layna Kight at Fasig-Tipton's Florida sale March 24.

F-T Florida Looks to Continue Upward Trend

With a bullish juvenile sale market on the move, Fasig-Tipton enters its annual Florida sale of select 2-year-olds in training March 24 at Adena Springs South near Williston, Fla.

Slideshow: 2013 Eclipse Awards

January 19, 2014

Celebrating the winners of the 2013 Eclipse Awards. view slideshow

Eclipse Night Filled with Repeat Winners

By Eric Mitchell
January 19, 2014
Thoroughbred Racing

Wise Dan, the 2013 Horse of the Year, became the first horse to win three championships in consecutive years.

Third Eclipse Award for Royal Delta

By Esther Marr
January 18, 2014
Thoroughbred Racing

Superstar mare Royal Delta easily dominated the older female division and notched her third straight Eclipse Award by virtue of three impressive graded stakes victories last year, one of which was grade I.

Impressive Finalists for Older Female Eclipse

By Esther Marr
January 15, 2014
Thoroughbred Racing

In the older female Eclipse Award category, two-time champion Royal Delta is the standout finalist, while other impressive mares Joyful Victory and Tiz Miz Sue attempt to make a case with their 2013 grade I accomplishments.

Slideshow: Royal Delta

December 9, 2013
Thoroughbred Racing

Highlights from the career of dual champion Royal Delta. view slideshow

Royal Delta

December 9, 2013

Dual champion Royal Delta.

Two-Time Champion Royal Delta Retired

By Blood-Horse Staff
November 20, 2013
Thoroughbred Racing

The connections of two-time champion Royal Delta have announced that the 5-year-old daughter of Empire Maker has been retired and will be bred to Galileo.

Beholder Trumps Delta, Princess in Distaff

By Jack Shinar
November 1, 2013
Thoroughbred Racing, Breeders' Cup, West Region

Smooth as silk under jockey Gary Stevens, Beholder vanquished both two-time champion Royal Delta and Princess of Sylmar while rolling to an open-lengths victory in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I) Nov. 1.

TimeformUS: Breeders' Cup Edition

November 1, 2013
Handicapping

TimeformUS Weekend Plays: Breeders' Cup Edition read blog

Princess of Sylmar Only Lacking in Awards

Due to a late career start in 2012, Princess of Sylmar is the only one of the big three in the Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I), only who doesn't yet have a Breeders' Cup victory and an Eclipse Award to her credit.

THS: The Breeders' Cup Distaff

October 31, 2013
Breeders' Cup

In Part I of That Handicapping Show for the Breeders' Cup, Tom LaMarra and Claire Novak look at the Turf Sprint, the Filly and Mare Sprint, and the Distaff. Watch Video

Breeders' Cup News Minute - 10/30/2013

By Lenny Shulman
October 30, 2013
Breeders' Cup

Lenny Shulman updates the news of the day including track work by Royal Delta, Close Hatches, and Mucho Macho Man. watch video

Royal Delta, Close Hatches Take to SA Oval

By Tracy Gantz
October 29, 2013
Thoroughbred Racing, Breeders' Cup, West Region

Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott oversaw Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I) contenders Royal Delta and Close Hatches as they stretched their legs at Santa Anita on Oct. 29 after arriving from New York the day before.

Stellar Field of Six in Breeders' Cup Distaff

By Tracy Gantz
October 28, 2013
Thoroughbred Racing, Breeders' Cup, West Region

The Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I) may only have a field of six, but they have created perhaps the most riveting puzzle in the entire series this year.

Mott Pleased With Royal Delta, Close Hatches

By Tracy Gantz
October 26, 2013
Thoroughbred Racing, Breeders' Cup, Northeast Region, West Region

Trainer Bill Mott said he was happy with the final works by Royal Delta and Close Hatches at Belmont Park Oct. 26 before they head to California for the Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I).

Royal Delta Sizzles in Final Distaff Workout

Signaling readiness to defend her title in the Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I), two-time champion Royal Delta zipped a half-mile in :46.52 at Belmont Park the morning of Oct. 26.

Breeders' Cup Repeat Runs

October 24, 2013
Breeders' Cup

As a companion to the feature in the October 26 Blood-Horse, we present video highlights of the 12 horses who have had multiple Breeders' Cup victories. Watch Video

Nine 2012 Winners Return for Breeders' Cup

By Steve Haskin
October 23, 2013
Thoroughbred Racing, International, Breeders' Cup

The best of the best will be on display at Santa Anita Park Nov. 1-2, with the leading trainers in the United States and Europe pre-entering a star-studded array of talent for the Breeders' Cup World Championships.

After the Wire: Breeders' Cup Friday Card

October 20, 2013

Evan Hammonds looks at past efforts from Royal Delta, Princess of Sylmar, and Beholder to predict a Breeders' Cup Distaff winner. Evan also looks at Bobby's Kitten. watch video

After the Wire: Breeders' Cup Friday Card

October 20, 2013

Evan Hammonds looks at past efforts from Royal Delta, Princess of Sylmar, and Beholder to predict a Breeders' Cup Distaff winner. Evan also looks at Bobby's Kitten.

Royal Delta Heads Mott's BC Works at Belmont

By Claire Novak
October 19, 2013
Thoroughbred Racing, Breeders' Cup, Northeast Region

Led by champion Royal Delta and Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) contender Ron the Greek, horses conditioned by Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott got in their Belmont Park works Oct. 19 in advance of the Nov. 1-2 Breeders' Cup.

Haskin: The Battle Within the Battle

By Steve Haskin
October 17, 2013

Steve shares his thoughts on the battle for Horse of the Year. read blog

Royal Delta Sparkles in Belmont Park Breeze

By Ron Mitchell
October 12, 2013
Thoroughbred Racing, Breeders' Cup, Northeast Region

Two-time champion Royal Delta sizzled four furlongs in :46.50 before the maintenance break at Belmont Park Oct 12 as she prepped for an attempt at her third straight Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I).

Haskin: Random Breeders' Cup Thoughts

By Steve Haskin
October 11, 2013

Steve offers some early thoughts on the Breeders' Cup. read blog

Slideshow: The Week in Photos for 9/30/2013

October 1, 2013
Thoroughbred Racing

Unique photos from Super Saturday and international races from the weekend! view slideshow

Gold Cup's Top Trio Likely for BC Classic

By Blood-Horse Staff
September 29, 2013
Thoroughbred Racing, Breeders' Cup, Northeast Region

The first three finishers in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I) are headed for a rematch in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) at Santa Anita Park, their trainers indicated on the morning of Sept. 29.

Princess of Sylmar Defeats 'Delta' in Beldame

By Ron Mitchell
September 28, 2013
Thoroughbred Racing, Breeders' Cup, Northeast Region

Princess of Sylmar, facing older foes for the first time, sprung a mild upset Sept. 28 when the 3-year-old filly collared two-time champion Royal Delta and went on to win the $400,000 Beldame Invitational Stakes (gr. I).

And They're Off: Late September Edition

By Steve Haskin
September 25, 2013
Breeders' Cup

Lenny and Steve discuss the Jockey Club Gold Cup, the Beldame matchup of Royal Delta and Princess of Sylmar, new Breeders' Cup races, and more. Sponsored by Darby Dan Farm. Watch Video

Royal Delta, 'Princess' to Tangle in Beldame

By Claire Novak
September 25, 2013
Thoroughbred Racing, Breeders' Cup, Northeast Region

Champion Royal Delta looks to defend her status as the racing world's star female against the brilliant 3-year-old Princess of Sylmar Sept. 28 in the $400,000 Beldame (gr. I) at Belmont Park.

Royal Delta Breezes at Belmont Park

By Frank Angst
September 23, 2013
Thoroughbred Racing, Breeders' Cup, Northeast Region

Champion Royal Delta wrapped up serious preparation for defense of her Beldame Invitational Stakes (gr. I) win with a four-furlong breeze Sept. 23 at Belmont Park.

Mott to Play Strong Super Saturday Hand

By Blood-Horse Staff
September 22, 2013
Thoroughbred Racing, Breeders' Cup, Northeast Region

As so often is the case as summer turns to fall, Racing Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott has a stable of Thoroughbreds moving in the right direction.

Royal Delta May Go to Europe for First Mating

By Claire Novak
September 6, 2013
Thoroughbred Racing, Thoroughbred Breeding, International, Kentucky

While champion Royal Delta is wrapping up her 2013 campaign with planned starts in the Beldame Invitational and Breeders' Cup Distaff (both gr. I), her connections are considering her future as a broodmare.

A Date for Delta: Mating Royal Delta

By Alan Porter
September 6, 2013
Thoroughbred Breeding

Alan Porter analyzes potential stallions for champion mare Royal Delta using statistics from the Key Ancestors report. read blog

Novak: No Breeders' Cup for Princess?

By Claire Novak
August 28, 2013

The best sophomore filly in the country might run the race of her life next time out, but it won't be in the Breeders' Cup World Championships. read blog

Mott Pointing Royal Delta to Beldame

By Blood-Horse Staff
August 27, 2013
Thoroughbred Racing, Breeders' Cup, Northeast Region, West Region

After a powerful victory in the Aug. 25 Personal Ensign (gr. I) at Saratoga, Royal Delta will prepare for $400,000 Beldame Invitational Stakes (gr. I) Sept. 28 at Belmont Park.

Connections

Trainer	William I. Mott
Jockey	Mike E. Smith
Owner	Besilu Stables
Breeder	Palides Investments N.V., Inc.

Pedigree

Royal Delta View Five-Cross Pedigree	Empire Maker	Unbridled
		Toussaud
	Delta Princess	A.P. Indy
		Lyphard's Delta

Auction History

Sale / Hip	Type	Buyer	Consignor	Price
KEENOV2011 Hip 427	Racing or broodmare prospect	Besilu Stables	Chanteclair Farm, agent for Dispersal of Palides Investments N.V.	$8,500,000

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