Cassidy booked for Lucia Valentina

24 March 2015

Lucia Valentina will have a new rider if, as expected, she backs up in Saturday’s $A1.5 million Gr.1 BMW Stakes at Rosehill.

“Jim Cassidy will be on her with Hugh Bowman suspended,” said Bruce Perry, racing manager for the mare’s owner Lib Petagna.

The Kris Lees-prepared Lucia Valentina finished third behind the Irish-bred Contributor and he Japanese visitor Tosen Stardom in the Gr.1 Ranvet Stakes last weekend.

“She came through the race very well and as long as she’s 100 per cent she’ll run again,” Perry said. “She’s backed up before without a problem.”

Meanwhile, the Petagna-owned Dal Cielo travelled without incident on Monday to Sydney in preparation for the $A1 million ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes on April 4.

The Corner with Garry Chittick

A couple of years ago, I hosted a number of friends and family at a local restaurant to enjoy my 80th birthday. It seems like yesterday, we had a great time with numerous testimonials, both serious and humorous. I am astounded at how the past two years have added to my CV in what seems like a flash. I can only believe my involvement in Thoroughbred Racing has provided all one could wish for as one ages.

21 May 2026

The Corner with Garry Chittick

I don’t know if the two of you have ever had the thrill of travelling at high speed across the water on a single ski, totally dependent on the driver of the boat. Fall off and you are left treading water, reminds you of racing. Here we are, with multiple hints of navigation hanging on to the rope hoping for salvation.