Royal Spa Captures the G2 Fasig-Tipton Locust Grove Stakes

Royal Spa delivered a commanding front-running performance to take the $400,000 G2 Fasig-Tipton Locust Grove Stakes at Churchill Downs on September 13, 2025. The 5-year-old mare, bred and owned by Breffni Farm, broke sharply, went straight to the lead, and never looked back. She drew away late to win by 1 1/4 lengths, stopping the clock in 1:42.53 for 1 1/16 miles on the dirt.

This victory adds another highlight to a fantastic year for Royal Spa. Earlier in 2025, she won the G3 Shawnee Stakes at Churchill Downs, finished second in the G2 Fleur de Lis, and ran fourth in the G1 Clement Hirsch at Del Mar. With her Locust Grove triumph, she pushed her career earnings past the $1 million mark.

Trained by Rodolphe Brisset and ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, Royal Spa has firmly established herself as one of the best older dirt mares in training. Her consistency, toughness, and ability to compete at the highest level are a testament to her class.

We are grateful to Breffni Farm for the opportunity to work with such an outstanding homebred, and we extend a huge thank you to our barn staff, grooms, and entire team whose dedication makes wins like these possible.

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Royal Spa Equibase Profile