Great taupo showing from talented filly

8 October 2015

The ambition surrounding the naming of an O’Reilly filly was met at Taupo this afternoon. Great Expectations showed gate speed from a wide alley to lead and when Craig Grylls asked her for an effort into the straight she bolted clear for a dominant victory.

“She showed plenty of speed last time out (when runner-up) and that took a bit of the sting out of her,” he said. “She settled nicely today and she just kicked away from them.”

Trainer Graham Richardson bought Great Expectations for $150,000 out of WS’s Premier Sale consignment to Karaka last year. “She was very impressive and I’m rapt for the owners who have been very loyal and patient,” he said.

Placed during a light juvenile campaign last season, Great Expectations is out of the Centaine mare Hideaway who is a sister to the WS-bred South African Group One winner Taupo Retreat. Hideaway has also produced the multiple winner and stakes performer Sacred Pins (Pins).

The Corner with Garry Chittick

It is not the easiest role, that of Chairman of our Thoroughbred Racing Board. Like all chairmanships, one’s mind is rarely not occupied with the responsibility. To our Chairman, I say thanks. A lifetime in the industry, Chairman of our largest club, it is difficult to identify someone more suited to the role.

14 May 2026

Sav’s girl Chispa targeting the Gr.1 Oaks

Savabeel filly Chispa enhanced her Queensland Oaks credentials with a dominant Randwick victory for Chris Waller and James McDonald, with the Pencarrow Stud-bred and raced filly surging clear over 1800 metres in impressive fashion.