It was a breakthrough win by the talented and speedy Billabong Babe at Moonee Valley on Friday night - the filly the first metropolitan winner for her trainer Russell Osborne and for her sire Redente.
A regally bred son of Redoute's
Choice and the Group One mare Stella Cadente, Redente stands at Osborne's
Riverbank Farm at Benalla and he could not be prouder of the job the young
stallion is doing.
"He has never served large books of mares but he is proving to be a real upgrader," he said, noting that Redente's progeny are tough, durable and fast!
"So many of them are natural jump and run horses," he said - including Billabong Babe who showed her usual brilliant pace to lead throughout at Moonee Valley.
Always travelling well for Patrick Moloney, Billabong Babe gave a good kick at the turn and was never in any danger of defeat.
"She is a really quick filly," Moloney enthused, adding that she has scope for further improvement after just five starts.
"She still wanted to do a little bit wrong in the run home but she has plenty of speed and she is able to sustain her gallop."
Billabong Babe is a home-bred for Riverbank as is fellow Redente four-year-old Cheeky Chinchilla who recorded a dominant victory at Gundagai on Saturday.
He was one of four runners for Redente on Saturday and the others were all in the placings - including Redentes Edge who was a close up third under 59kg at Morphettville.
"They are consistent gallopers who just want to be racehorses," Osborne said, describing the breed as "a trainer's dream."
The success of Redente means a great deal to Riverbank which is very much a family run operation - the stud owned and managed by Russell and his wife Dr Caroline Duddy whilst the younger family members ride track work and assist in all aspects of the breeding and racing operation - including providing the home-bred horses with their memorable names!
It is very much hands-on at Riverbank, from breeding, foaling, rearing and breaking to training. And judging by results (they have seven horses in work and three raced competitively at Moonee Valley on Friday night) they are doing a good job!
For further information on Redente and stands alongside Astronomer Royal, Von Costa de Hero and Hillman, contact Russell Osborne on 0423 768 155.
