On Saturday, the Aussie sprinter raced into the history books with his win in the $A10million ($NZ10.96million) Everest over 1200m at Randwick, the richest turf race to be run.
While that may seem a world away for most established local racehorses, let alone the emerging types that were lining up at Wingatui yesterday, Redzel’s pedigree page could offer breeders some hope that their local bloodlines can foot it on the world stage.
The genetics that helped Redzel sprint his way to stardom link directly to the Wingatui area.
Redzel’s fifth dam is Trivet, a mare owned by former astute Wingatui horseman Dave "Skipper" Wilson from his brilliantly successful Fireside family. Wilson and his breed left an undeniable mark on the Wingatui area, with a host of good winners headed by top-class stayer Palisade.
It may have been those tough southern bloodlines that helped the son of Snitzel and Millrich progress from a rocky start as an orphan foal to become sprinting superstar. Trivet won 21 wins for Wilson and also ran second in the New Zealand Oaks before going on to leave six winners from nine foals.
The breed appears on the pedigree pages of a host of modern Australasian performers.
Though Wilson’s stable — later the property that would be home to the renowned Showgate — is now the site of a housing subdivision, there are still links at Wingatui to his legacy. Jockey Jacob Lowry, whose grandfather, Eddie Lowry, rode Palisade during the 1960s, was on two of yesterday’s three jumpout winners.
Lowry urged Willow, who is trained by his other grandfather, Brian Anderton, with son Shane, to a narrow victory over her stablemates Taieri Gem and Gallant Boy.
The first two horses home will be aimed at Wednesday’s Wingatui meeting, Shane Anderton said. Classy performer Gallant Boy, who finished two lengths behind his stablemates, would not be ready by next week to add to his seven-win record, he said.
Lowry also rode the Steven Prince-trained Brunello to victory yesterday.
The horse started his career with handy efforts in his first three starts last season but has disappointed since then.
The Darci Brahma 5yr-old worked to the line nicely, suggesting he is ready to get back to his better form.
Prince also produced another 5yr-old maiden yesterday in Never You Mind, who won for jockey Corey Campbell. Both Never You Mind and runner-up Cocee were likely to return to Wingatui for next week’s meeting, Prince said.
Results. — Heat 1, maiden 800m: Never You Mind, C Campbell 1, Cocee 2, Peggy Stewart 3. Trainer: S Prince. Time: 48.4. Margins L, 1L. 5 started.
Heat 2, open 800m: Willow, J Lowry 1, Taieri Gem 2, Gallant Boy 3. Trainers: B&S Anderton. Time: 51.3. Margins: hd, 2L. 3 startedHeat 3, maiden, 1000m: Brunello, J Lowry 2, Jandles 2, Bet Ya Wood 3. Trainer: S Prince. Time: 1.03.9. Margins: Nk, 3L. 3 started.
- Jonny Turner
