Raging Sea Conquers La Troienne as Champion Thorpedo Anna Falters

In a stunning turn of events at Churchill Downs, Raging Sea delivered a powerful stretch run to capture the Grade 1, $1 million La Troienne Stakes on May 2, 2025, while reigning Horse of the Year and heavy favorite Thorpedo Anna finished a shocking last.

Returning from a layoff since her runner-up finish to Thorpedo Anna in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Distaff, Raging Sea proved she was ready for the rematch. Trained by Chad Brown and expertly ridden by Flavien Prat, the 5-year-old mare settled mid-pack early as Randomized set the pace.

Thorpedo Anna, breaking from an inside post, stalked the leader after getting jostled and bumped heading into the first turn.

While Randomized held the lead into the stretch, Prat guided Raging Sea off the rail, finding a seam between horses. She unleashed a determined rally, powering past rivals and holding off a late charge from Taxed to win by three-quarters of a length, completing the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.91.

Brown later noted that while the pace was slower than anticipated, Prat kept Raging Sea in a good position to strike.

The major story, however, was Thorpedo Anna’s unexpected performance. The 1-4 favorite appeared well-positioned, tracking the pace, but she lacked her usual potent kick in the lane, fading steadily to finish last in the field of seven.

Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. commented that despite recovering from the early bumps, “today wasn’t her day” and suggested she might have been “leg-weary,” perhaps due to the relatively quick turnaround from her previous victory in the Apple Blossom.

Trainer Kenny McPeek expressed shock at the outcome, particularly the rough trip into the first turn.

Raging Sea ($10.08) secured her second Grade 1 victory for Alpha Delta Stables, dramatically turning the tables on her rival and adding another layer of excitement to the older filly and mare division. Taxed finished a game second, with Randomized holding on for third.

Taxed, a longshot, closed from near the back of the pack to secure second place, narrowly edging out Randomized, who held on for third.

Dorth Vader, Free Like a Girl, Literate, and Thorpedo Anna completed the order of finish.

Fractional Times: 23.50, 47.22, 1:11.38, 1:36.40
Final Time: 1:42.91

Winning Connections

Winner: Raging Sea
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Trainer: Chad Brown
Owner: Alpha Delta Stables LLC (Jon Clay)
Breeder: Alpha Delta Stables LLC
Bloodline: Chestnut Mare, by Curlin out of Stormy Welcome, by Storm Cat. Foaled Mar 18, 2020 in Kentucky
Curlin stands at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms, Paris, KY. ($225,000 stands & nurses)

Payouts

Exotics

• $2 EXACTA (4-6) Paid: $301.96
• $0.50 TRIFECTA (4-6-5) Paid: $344.91
• $1 SUPERFECTA (4-6-5-1) Paid: $6,004.16
• $1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (4-6-5-1-7) Paid: $28,023.59

Watch the Race