Princess Taylor ends long drought at Del Mar

DEL MAR, Calif. - Princess Taylor reached the winner’s circle for the first time in nearly two years in Friday’s $84,775 TOC and CTT Handicap at Del Mar.

Sent off as a strong favorite following a third-place finish to Zenyatta in the Grade 1 Clement Hirsch Stakes here on Aug. 7, Princess Taylor ($3.20) caught pacesetter Gripsholm Castle in the final furlong and held off Catsalot to win by a half-length. Ridden by Victor Espinoza, Princess Taylor ran 1 3-8 miles on turf in 2:14.83.

Espinoza had Princess Taylor in second for the first mile, tracking Gripsholm Castle who led by as many as four lengths. Gripsholm Castle held third in the field of six, finishing a half-length behind Catsalot.

Princess Taylor, 6, races for Ronan Lambe of Dublin, Ireland, and is trained by Paddy Gallagher. She has raced on three continents in the last year, having racing in Europe last fall and Dubai over the winter. By Singspiel, Princess Taylor has won 4 of 36 starts and $231,325. She won a minor handicap at Haydock Park, England, in September 2008.