SIERRA LEONE, who last out Won the Breeders’ Cup Classic returned to training today (01-06-25) at Payson Park Training Center Florida.

He ran an easy three furlongs in :37 4/5 as he begins preparations for the $20 million dollar Saudi Cup on February 22nd.

Said trainer Chad Brown after the Monday morning workout; “He went nice and smooth, he galloped out with a lot of energy and cooled out quick.”

Brown went on to say; “We’re right back on track again and it looks like our first goal is to try and make the Saudi Cup.”

The 1 1/8-mile, one-turn Saudi Cup is a little under seven weeks away.

Realizing there is little room for error in order to make it to the world’s richest horse race, Brown has planned a weekly workout schedule to prepare the son of GUN RUNNER for his first start since Winning the $7 million dollar Classic at Del Mar on November 2nd.

Fortunately for Brown, SIERRA LEONE retained his fitness and health during his month-long freshening immediately following his Classic win.

“Even though we gave him a little bit of freshening, he didn’t seem to lose any fitness at all,” Brown said. “He’s settled back into his job well. I was very pleased with his work, actually pleasantly surprised on how fit the horse is. He did that just galloping around there. I was pretty impressed.”

In addition to his Victory in the Classic, SIERRA LEONE Won the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes and Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes during his 3-year-old campaign.

Moving on to the Kentucky Derby, SIERRA LEONE ran 2nd, losing in a photo-finish to MYSTIK DAN. He then went on to finish 3rd in both the Belmont and Travers Stakes.

He is a leading contender for Eclipse Award honors as Champion 3-year-old male.