Group One glory for Savabeel’s daughter
Bonny mare Shillelagh is Savabeel’s latest Group One winner after her stunning victory Flemington this afternoon.
The Chris Waller-trained mare came from the rear of the field to reign supreme in the Empire Rose Stakes.
It is 12 months to the day that she struck at the top level for the first time in the Kennedy Mile.
Shillelagh is raced by her Hunterville breeders Christopher and Susanna Grace.
“A Kiwi trainer, a Kiwi jockey and Kiwi owners,” rider James McDonald said.
He produced a gem of a ride aboard Shillelagh, who settled among the tailenders.
McDonald was able to weave his magic in the run to the line to find a gap for the mare.
“I’ll take a little bit of credit for that,” he said.
“It’s great how it worked out and she was always travelling beautifully.
“We had to get a bit of luck and she just burst through.”
Waller said he feared the worst at the top of the straight and paid tribute to McDonald’s skill.
“It was a really good win and a brave ride to get through.
“James went back and bided his time and I was closing my eyes with 300 metres to run and then the best came.
“I’m very fortunate to have such beautiful horses.
“The last week has been amazing and what a great sport we’re all involved in.”
Pure Alpha delivers again as Ardrossan continues to rise
Ardrossan gelding Pure Alpha led throughout to win by 1.29 lengths at Eagle Farm for owner Ozzie Kheir, taking his earnings past $300,000. The result caps a stellar run for sire Ardrossan, whose yearlings fetched up to $450,000 this year on strong Hong Kong form.
Read More
The Corner with Garry Chittick
It is difficult to maintain momentum when sitting in judgment of racing’s governance. After all, I get no pleasure in searching for non-credible decisions, but one is perpetually bewildered by the rationale behind many of the positions that make little sense.
Read More