Sangster In A Class Of His Own

18 February 2013

Sangster tightened his grip on the Gr 1 Auckland Cup with another outstanding display of class and power at Ellerslie this afternoon. The son of WS’s Savabeel continued on his winning way with a commanding victory in the Gr 2 Avondale Cup.

A last-start winner of the Gr 1 Darci Brahma International Stakes, the four-year-old gave away both weight and age to his rivals and was still a level above them. Sangster carried 59kg and will drop to 54.5kg in the Auckland Cup.

“The weight was an issue, but he’s the class horse,” said co-trainer Trent Busuttin, who prepares the gelding at Cambridge with partner Natalie Young. “He wants hard racing so it’s not out of the question that we might bring him back for the Nathan’s Memorial before the cup.”

Savabeel, also the winner last season of the Gr 1 VRC Derby, led hopme a memorable result this afternoon for Savabeel with his daughter Savanah Rush finioshing a game second.

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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.