Breeders' Cup Classic 2013 Winner: Mucho Macho Man Captures Epic Victory

Mucho Macho Man entered the 2013 Breeders' Cup Classic as one of the biggest favorites, and it rang true as he captured victory in stunning fashion on Saturday night.

The highly touted race lived up to the hype, coming down to an incredible photo finish that proved Mucho Macho Man as the close winner over a star-studded field.

The winner just barely edged out Will Take Charge by a nose, the popular thoroughbred who is trained by 78-year-old Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas.

In doing so, Mucho Macho Man made history for his own trainer. Kathy Ritvo became the first female trainer to win the richest race in North American horse racing, per Jennie Rees of The Courier-Journal.

Mucho Macho Man made a surge late in the race, as jockey Gary Stevens helped notch a lead coming around the final turn. He saved his best for last and turned it on to hold off Will Take Charge in the closing moments.

The win was especially sweet for Stevens. The 50-year-old legendary jockey's comeback never felt more real than Saturday, after sweeping Friday's win with Distaff and notching the victory with Mucho Macho Man.

While Mucho Macho Man and Will Take Charge stole the show and posted inspiring performances, the same could not be said for popular favorite Game On Dude.

The horse was 5-0 on the year but finished in ninth place.

Finishing in third was Declaration of War, who came in just a head behind the two leaders to finish in show. 

However, the story of Santa Anita on Saturday surrounded the winner. The five-year-old Mucho Macho Man's epic win will be remembered for a long time by horse racing fans.