Smart Savabeel mare in line for higher honours

3 October 2016

Shillelagh has earned herself a crack at black type after opening her Australian account at Caulfield.

The daughter of Savabeel came from the back of the field yesterday for a narrow, but impressive victory.

Co-trainer Stephen Autridge said Shillelagh would be back at Caulfield for her next run in the Gr 3 Ladies’ Day Vase.

“The way she won she’ll have no trouble going to the mile,” Autridge said.

“It didn’t really go to plan for her, but she finished it off really good.”

Shillelagh had been an unlucky fifth at her previous run, which convinced rider Damien Oliver to stick with her.

“She’s a bit cantankerous, she’s got a few attitude things but she can certainly gallop,” he said.

“I think she’s worth having a go at some stakes-grade mares’ races coming up.”

Shillelagh is raced by her Hunterville breeders Christopher and Susanna Grace.

She is a sister to the Gr 2 Brisbane Cup winner and Gr 1 Caulfield Cup placegetter Tullamore

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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.

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