Gr. 1 Glory For Fast ‘N’ Famous

Quintessential led a WS-dominated finish to the Gr 1 Queensland Oaks when she gave resident sire Fast ‘N’ Famous his first top-flight winner. The Greg Tomlinson-raced filly was far too good for the Gr.1 field, with Eliza Blues (O’Reilly) bravely rallying for second and Dowager Queen (Savabeel) flying home late for fourth.

Trained at Matamata by John Sargent and ridden by expatriate Kiwi jockey Damien Browne, Quintessential raced near the speed after jumping from barrier one and travelled sweetly until asked her to give her effort at the top of the straight. She charged between the battling leaders and, along with Eliza Blues, surged to the front, before her stamina proved to be superior over the final 200 metres.

“It’s always hard to win here let alone a Group One,” Sargent told Sky Racing World. “It was a lovely ride and that meant a hell of a lot. He rode her perfectly. Got off at the 600 [metres] and it all paid. It was a real slog but she got there in the end.”

The win was Quintessential’s fourth from 14 starts and took her career earnings to more than $A350,000.

Quintessential was purchased by Bloodstock Industry professional Adrian Clark at the 2009 NZB Select Sale for NZ$70,000.

She is the second Queensland Oaks winner bred by the New Zealand’s longest running commercial thoroughbred stud farm, Trelawney Stud, with Zabeel galloper Vouvray earlier paving the way in 2004.

Quintessential’s sire Fast ‘N’ Famous was trained by John O’Shea to win six of his 13 starts, including the Gr 3 Gilgai Stakes and he also placed in both the Gr 1 Galaxy Handicap, Gr 1 All-Aged Stakes and BTC Cup.

Quintessential’s unraced Sword Dance dam Florette is a sibling to seven stakes winners. To date, she has produced five winners from as many to race.