Silent Achiever In Memorable Mile Win

O’Reilly’s high-class daughter Silent Achiever showed Australians her quality with her Gr.2 Crystal Mile victory at Moonee Valley today.

The four-year-old gave a strong second-up performance to win over 1600 metres and press her claims for her main aim – the Gr.2 Matriarch Stakes at Flemington during the Cup carnival.

“She had a few things against her with the weight-for-age scale, at Moonee Valley for the first time and the mile is well short of her best,” Cambridge trainer Roger James said. “She’s always been a very classy mare and she ticked all the boxes today.”

Bred and owned by Kevin Hickman, Silente Achiever was awarded the Champion NZ 3YO last season, with her crowning glory coming in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby.

She was ridden today by James McDonald, who brought her from last for a stirring victory. “I’ve never been beaten on her and to beat Rangirangdoo at weight-for-age is great,” he said.

Recent News
1 September 2025

Strong female lines: the quiet architects of WS champions

Waikato Stud’s long-term focus on developing strong female families again paid dividends in 2024/25, producing three Group 1 winners and securing NZ Breeder of the Year honours for the 11th time.

Read More
31 August 2025

Ruska Roma gives Seth a double in Australia

From Munz’s silks to Finemore’s, Sunday was all about Super Seth – his progeny Ruska Roma and Strongside turning promise into polish, stamping another chapter in his fast-rising legacy.

Read More