Horse racing-Beholder beats Songbird to win Breeders' Distaff

By Mark Lamport-Stokes ARCADIA, California, Nov 4 (Reuters) - Beholder, expertly ridden by Gary Stevens, inflicted the first ever defeat on Songbird in a thrilling photo finish to win the $2 million Breeders' Cup Distaff by a nose at Santa Anita Park on Friday. Songbird, previously unbeaten in 11 lifetime starts, had led the 1 1/8 mile race almost the entire way but was pipped at the post after a breathtaking charge home by Beholder, who won the same event in 2013 as a 3-year-old filly. Forever Unbridled, with Joel Rosario on board, finished a length and a quarter behind in third. The Distaff, which highlighted the opening day's four-race card at the Breeders' Cup, was previously known as the Ladies' Classic. (Editing by Andrew Both)