BREEDERS' CUP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

October 30, 2026

Tyler Gaffalione

Emphatic

Keeneland Race Course

Juvenille Fillies

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Tyler Gaffalione, thanks for joining us.

After the win on Emphatic, an Emphatic win. We talked to Brendan about her, and you're very familiar with her. Do you think having had that race here in the Alcibiades gave her the edge on this track or having had the two turns?

TYLER GAFFALIONE: Absolutely. She was really well-seasoned over in the sorority at Monmouth. So she had the experience with that. But just having the race over the track, Breeders' Cup being here, just gave us all so much more confidence going into this race. She couldn't have been doing any better.

Q. Coming off the turn, was that by choice to kind of let her open up? I know it's the 1/16th pole, so you finish by the early wire there. Were you aware others might be coming toward her, or she was just backing off a bit?

TYLER GAFFALIONE: A filly like her, she does everything so easy. So I didn't want to really invite everybody into the race. She was traveling so well and it's a short stretch. We only had 5/16th of a mile left. So I gave her head and let her do her thing. I felt like I had the best horse, so I let her be her best.

THE MODERATOR: You and Brendan have a great relationship. You have a lot of success together. For him to get his first Breeders' Cup win with you here at Keeneland and with you in The Irons, how does it feel?

TYLER GAFFALIONE: It's so special. I can't thank Brendan enough. I'll never be able to. He's done so much for me in my career, not only personally, but professionally. Every step of the way. When I got injured last year, he put me on everything right away when I came back.

I couldn't be happier for him and his team. They do such a fabulous job. Very deserving.

Q. For you you've had Breeders' Cup success, and now here at Keeneland, which is a home track for you.

TYLER GAFFALIONE: Keeneland has been great. I came first in 2015 and fell in love and never left. Such a special place, so many great memories.

Q. For Emphatic, we asked Brendan and the ownership what's next. They want to get through this one and enjoy it. But looking down the road as a potential Oaks filly.

TYLER GAFFALIONE: It's kind hard to stay in the moment in this game. You get excited and caught up. She's a very exciting filly. I think she has a great future ahead of her. She's taking everything we've thrown at her in stride. She just keeps getting and stronger, so I think it's going to be a bit year for her.

THE MODERATOR: Congratulations on Emphatic. Hope is something everyone looks forward to in this game. Look forward to seeing her next year.