Date posted August 22, 2010 | Posted by Michele Cullen | Filed under
Premium Updates,
Racing and Breeding,
StrategicIlluminates bowed out of racing in style when she gave her rivals weight, a start and a beating in the listed Toy Show Handicap (1400m) at Warwick Farm on Saturday.
Booked to fly to New Zealand on Monday evening to start her new career in the breeding barn, Illuminates came from last, down the outside of the track to win the feature mares’ event in great style.
The spritely six-year-old mare is set to be served in the coming weeks by the former Group One winning sprinter Swiss Ace (Secret Savings) at Westbury Stud on the outskirts of Auckland.
Prepared by leading trans-Tasman horseman Graeme Rogerson, Illuminates was able to win her fourth stakes race and sent her earnings soaring past $880,000.
Stable foreman Roger Elliott was all smiles in the winner’s stall, but admitted to some regret that the mare would be leaving after a fruitful career.
“She always gives 100 per cent and tries real hard,” Elliott said moments after the race. “She just keeps trying.”
“She goes on Monday night, but she’s done a good job and she’s been really good for me.”
Claire Bird, Racing Manager for owner Gerry Harvey, was delighted with the effort of the gallant mare.
“We were a little worried about the 60 kilos and the (relatively) dry track,” Bird said. “But she’s got such a big heart and she tries so hard.”
“She’s booked to fly out on Monday night. I’m going to try and talk Gerry out of sending her - but we’ll see.”
Successful rider Blake Shinn said the mare travelled well throughout the race and on straightening he knew he was going to be in the finish.
“The track thankfully still had some give, which is important for this mare,” Shinn said.
“She had the 60 kilos, but there’s a reason for that - she was the best horse.”
“She tracked into the race nicely. Once she got balanced she really quickened well and did a good job.”
The outstanding mare was bred by Gerry Harvey’s Baramul Stud and sold to trainer Graeme Rogerson for $86,000 at the 2006 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale.
Harvey recently brought the mare when offered by Dormello Stud at June’s National Broodmare Sale for $460,000.
The daughter of Strategic has now notched 10 wins and along with 17 minor placings with earnings of more than $882,000.
She is one of two winners produced by the unraced Danzero mare Dazzle Light - a half sister to Stoway and daughter of Group One winner Travel Light.
