Savabeel stars again at Group One level

WS’s champion stallion Savabeel produced his 13th individual Group One winner when Shillelagh reigned supreme in today’s Kennedy Mile at Flemington. Bred and owned by Hunterville couple Christopher and Susanna Grace, the six-year-old triumphed in the hands of the now Victoria-based New Zealander Michael Dee.

“It feels great, I can’t believe it,” he said. “I’m very lucky to have picked up the ride and with 52kg, never once did I think I’d get beaten. She was too good, too tough.”

Shillelagh won four races from the stable of Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards before she was transferred to Sydney. From Chris Waller’s operation, she has added a further three wins including the Gr.3 Godolphin Crown at Hawkesbury and now success at the elite level.

“To win any race on Derby Day is special and to win a Group One is fantastic,” Waller said. “It won’t get any better than a Cox Plate, but this is up there. She’s gone to a new level this preparation and she came from New Zealand with good form, it’s a very special win.”

Shillelagh is out of the Flying Spur mare Trocair, who won once from a handful of starts. She has proved to be a gem at stud as she is also the dam of the Gr.2 Brisbane Cup winner Tullamore, who also ran third in the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup.