Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic winner Royal Delta is back with trainer Bill Mott after topping the Keeneland Sale on November 9.

Benjamin Leon of Besilu Stables paid a record $8.50 million for Royal Delta less than a week after she sewed up an Eclipse Award at Churchill Downs.  He said the mare was a birthday gift for his wife Silvia.

Leon outbid prominent owner Frank Stronach for the daughter of Empire Maker.  “He contacted me about continuing to train her,” Mott said.  “She’s been back at my Payson Park barn for a week and I couldn’t happier.”

Royal Delta had been raced by the late Prince Saud bin Khaled under the Palides Investments banner.  She had won the G1 Alabama Stakes and G2 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes leading up to the season finale.

“We’re very pleased and couldn’t happier,” Mott added.  “I would like to set her for the Dubai World Cup although there’s no invitation as yet.”