One might suggest that conditioner Riley Mott has been anticipating this juncture for a significant portion of his existence. Mott, aged 33, is poised to present his inaugural Breeders’ Cup entrant at this year’s international competition. He is slated to be represented by a formidable contender in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf on October 31 at Del Mar, with Grade 1 victor Argos, a 2-year-old progeny of Nyquist.
The Mott lineage is well-recognized within the industry. Hall of Fame conditioner Bill Mott, Riley’s progenitor, is a seasoned Breeders’ Cup participant and a horseman whose collective achievements could potentially secure him a position on Mount Rushmore, hypothetically dedicated to distinguished horse conditioners. The elder Mott has presented 130 entrants at the Breeders’ Cup, achieving a record of 15-12-11. He is currently ranked fifth among all conditioners with total purse earnings of $26,346,900.
Riley observed numerous Breeders’ Cups, initially as a young enthusiast of horse racing and subsequently as one of his father’s assistants, a role he relinquished after a decade to establish his own independent operation in the autumn of 2022.
Mott was quite young when his father’s celebrated Cigar navigated a saturated track to secure victory in the 1995 Breeders’ Cup Classic by 2 1/2 lengths at Belmont Park. The equine’s accomplishments were undeniably a significant part of the family’s history.
“Breeders’ Cup has profoundly influenced my enthusiasm for the sport and has been integral to my life for an extended period,” Riley Mott conveyed. “I frequently reminisce and still contemplate it. Envision being present. Even before my tenure with my father, I was consistently considering potential entrants for the event. I would eagerly anticipate it.”
During his time with his father, Riley contributed significantly to transporting horses to Breeders’ Cups and other prominent races worldwide, including the Dubai World Cup and the Saudi Cup. He is well-versed in the routine and did not intend to innovate as he prepared to transport Argos from his base at Churchill Downs to Southern California on October 25.
“Transporting for significant races is familiar to me, and I possess a structured plan,” he stated, “and I recognize that horses typically adapt well to transportation. While individual horses vary, they generally exhibit resilience and effectively manage the demands we place upon them.”
“In preparing Argos, the objective is to adhere to the established approach, maintaining the regular routine and schedule,” he elaborated. “The horse has earned his opportunity to participate in the Breeders’ Cup, so there is no need for extravagant or unconventional preparations leading up to the race.”
Argos has emerged victorious in two of his three starts. Owned by a consortium led by David Romanik, who reacquired the colt earlier this year for $165,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales March Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training, the Kentucky-bred commenced his career with a half-length victory on July 13 at Ellis Park in a 5 1/2-furlong turf maiden special weight race. Argos subsequently finished third on August 16 at Woodbine in the Soaring Free Stakes, trailing race favorite Two Out Hero by 1 3/4 lengths.
Mott entered him in the Soaring Free to prepare Argos for the September 13 Grade 1 bet365 Summer Stakes, a Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series “Win and You’re In” event. The strategy was executed flawlessly, with Argos, ridden by Flavien Prat, who will also be aboard at the Breeders’ Cup, delivering a decisive late surge to secure a head victory over favored European contender Wild Desert.
For Romanik — a Florida-based pari-mutuel wagering and gaming attorney with extensive experience in racing, including a term as president of Gulfstream Park — Argos represents his second Breeders’ Cup entrant. He previously co-owned Caltech, who finished fifth in the 1989 Breeders’ Cup Turf at Gulfstream Park.
While additional partners have recently joined — David S. Cheekes, Deborah K. Dougherty, C2 Racing Stable, BAG Racing Stables, and Robert Liedel — Romanik initially campaigned Argos and selected Mott as his trainer.
Romanik explained, “I consulted with a trusted veterinarian in Kentucky, Gregory Fox. I sought his recommendation for a trainer with a singular stable, experience training under a Hall of Fame trainer, and potential for future Hall of Fame recognition. Greg promptly suggested Riley Mott.”
Mott’s operation has experienced consistent growth since saddling Unifying, his inaugural winner and only his third entrant, on November 10, 2022, at Churchill Downs. Currently managing 60 horses and actively seeking more, the young trainer’s career record as of October 23 stands at 97-75-83 from 610 entrants, with purse earnings exceeding $7 million.
Argos marks Riley Mott’s second Grade 1 victory, following Pin Oak Stud’s World Beater’s triumph in the Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes in August.
The Breeders’ Cup will resemble a familial gathering for the Motts. Father and son will reunite under the same shedrow. It is reasonable to assume that Bill Mott’s prominent runner, Sovereignty, the projected favorite in the Classic, will attract the majority of media attention. However, Riley, a supporter of the Godolphin homebred who has captivated the racing community with his remarkable victories this year in the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve, the Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets, and the DraftKings Travers Stakes, is comfortable with this dynamic.
“Having Sovereignty at this juncture in my father’s career and my own life has been extraordinary, given his exceptional qualities,” Riley remarked. “I am immensely proud of my father and his team’s management and campaigning of the horse.
“We aim to benefit from Sovereignty’s positive energy while present,” he added. “The week is anticipated to be particularly sentimental. The opportunity to spend time with my father and our family will be cherished. We collectively hope for a successful weekend.”
