It did not quite go to plan, but punters got it right when backing Matthew Williamson to win his first group race as a trainer.
A brilliant beginner starting from the front line, Princess Sadie was meant to lead and win the group 3 The Dark Horse, judging by the way her win dividend crunched in.
And despite having to regather after making a flyer in what was a false start to the mares’ feature, everything went to plan initially.
But at the 400m mark, after Williamson elected to take a trail at the bell, it was left to Princess Sadie’s class to carry her home and run down tearaway leader Walkinonsunshine.
"A few things didn’t go to plan, but we got there in the end," Williamson said.
"She made a flyer that first standing start, which would have been a far better start for her.
"We were following the right one, but then it galloped on the last bend and she went to pull up with it — she thought the job was done and forgot to chase down Walkinonsunshine.
"But that last 50m, she really got into her work and charged to the line."
After beginning her career as an early 2-year-old, winning seven races and notching multiple group race placings, it has been an epic ride for Princess Sadie’s owners — the Stir Fry Syndicate, Fred Donovan, Summit Bloodstock, and Williamson’s wife Charlotte.
While the milestone was a thrill for Williamson, he was just as pleased to keep repaying those who backed him by going in on the first yearling he ever purchased from the national sales.
"It is a great thrill; it is huge for the stable.
"She was the first horse we bought at the yearling sales; she’s got a great group of owners and they’re great friends. They support her every time — win, lose or draw — and they have so much fun."
It took a brilliant last-ditch effort from Princess Sadie to run down Walkinonsunshine, who looked to have the feature to herself until the last few strides of the race.
The Canterbury mare put three lengths on the field as close to home as the 150m mark. But after switching back on under Williamson’s urgings, Princess Sadie stuck her neck out to score in a thrilling finish. Third was Hidden Talent, who went a big race from her 30m handicap.
