2020 Breeders' Cup Classic results: Authentic outduels Improbable to claim $6 million prize at Keeneland

Live updates from the famous horse racing event

Authentic won the 2020 Breeders' Cup Classic on Saturday by a margin of two-and-a-half lengths, not only beating late odds favorite Tiz the Law, but also beating out one of the most talented racing pools for this competition in years. In what should come as no surprise, a Bob Baffert horse has once again helped add another record for the legendary trainer's career.

While it was Tiz the Law who had the best break from the opening gate, it was Authentic that took the early lead from the rest of the pack and held onto it firmly for the entirety of the race. There were moments where the lead shrunk early on, but during the final stretch, Authentic really showed out his talents and doubled the length of his lead by the time he crossed the finish line.

2020 Breeders' Cup Classic Results

9 - Authentic - 4/1 WIN: $10.40 PLACE: $5.40 SHOW: $4.20
8 - Improbable - 7/2 PLACE: $4.80 SHOW: $3.20
7 - Global Campaign - 25/1 SHOW: $8.80

$2 Exacta 9-8 $45.40
$1.00 Trifecta 9-8-7 $335.90
$1.00 Superfecta 9-8-7-1 $3,355.50

For Baffert, the legendary trainer behind the horse that has been a source of controversy as of late, this was another record to add to his illustrious career. It was the fourth time he had trained a horse to win the Breeders' Cup Classic, and his 17th Breeders Cup win overall.

"We really were disappointed after the Preakness, I was sort of surprised, you know [Authentic's] race," he said to NBC Sports. "But he's a quirky horse. He'd been working unbelievable, they all were. I think [jockey John R. Velazquez] really knows him well and once he got them in that rhythm, he's just getting better and better. He's caught up with the older horses, just an unbelievable horse."

"I would have loved to run one-two-three, but I was proud of my horses. What a way after what I've gone through this year. I love this sport and it's just a great day."

Baffert's other horses in the Classic were Improbable and Maximum Security. As for what he's gone through this year, it's in reference to mounting criticism surrounding four failed drug tests in the past six months with horses that he's trained. 

This was also a big moment for Velazquez as it was the first time he won a Breeders' Cup Classic in his career, though he had won other races in the competition 17 times -- his resume also includes three Kentucky Derby wins.