Maitland breeder and owner Edwina Throsby who bred and shared in the ownership of the former world’s best sprinter Chautauqua, could have another future star bred on the family’s magnificent property.
At Newcastle on Saturday a two-year-old half-brother to Chautauqua called Britain, created a huge impression in winning a 900 metre Two-Year-Old Maiden Plate by two lengths. A son of super sire Snitzel, Britain was starting for the third time and he drifted to $8, with form students and punters believing the 900 metre trip would be well short of his best. In his first up run on April 29 at Warwick Farm, the colt showed no speed over the 1100 metre course and he was running tenth in a field of eleven at the top of the straight. Britain made up many lengths to finish within 3 ½ lengths of the winner. The two-year -old is raced by a group including Throsby and is trained by Greg Hickman at Warwick Farm.
Andrew Gibbons was aboard Britain and despite the shorter trip he settled much closer and raced away. Throsby said on Saturday that she has been very lucky with yearlings she has taken to the sales and never got a bid for two of them.
“I sent Chautauqua to the Inglis Sales and we never got a bid and he won $8.8 Million. Britain went to the Yearling Sales and never got a bid. Greg has a huge wrap on him and he is heading in the right direction. His dam London Lolly has a yearling colt by I Am Invincible and I didn’t send him to the sales,” Throsby said.
Hickman who trained the recently retired Pierata, winner of $4.5 Million did not hide his opinion of Britain on Saturday. “He is something special. He has so much improvement in him. Britain hasn’t a clue what it’s about yet and he could be a Group horse. I will probably give him two more starts then send him to the paddock and bring him back for the Magic Millions Guineas in January,” Hickman said.
Later in the day Gibbons won on the Gerry Harvey owned and Chris Waller trained Split Not A Shock in the 1200 metre Fillies and Mares Maiden Handicap. The double takes Gibbons season tally to 98.
Veteran Newcastle trainer Charlie Porter was back in the winners circle with Mr Polar in the 900 metre Benchmark 64. Backed from double figures into $6 Mr Polar jumped to the front and gave nothing else a chance.
Former Kiwi jockey Amelia Denby based in Newcastle these days was aboard the winner.
Keagan Latham and Gibbons were the leading riders with both securing doubles.