The Chris Waller-trained Kolding took his earnings to a mind-boggling $6,387,200 when he added a third win at the highest level with a typically spirited performance in Saturday’s $600,000 Group 1 All-Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.
With Brenton Avdulla having his first ride on the son of Ocean Park, Kolding staged a 300 metre battle with the last start Group 1 Canterbury Stakes winner Savatiano. Kolding defeated the daughter of Street Cry (IRE) by a short-head with a further head back to the luckless Cascadian (New Approach), who was held up for a run at a crucial stage.
Kolding adds the All Aged stakes to previous wins at the highest level in the Epsom Handicap and George Main Stakes and a big money score in the $7.5 million Golden Eagle at Rosehill.
“It has taken me five years to ride him race day but finally got on him at the right time,” Avdulla said.
“A firm track, good draw to just lob behind the leader. To his credit he knuckled down when Savatiano challenged him. He toughed it out really well.
“It’s my second Group 1 for Chris. He puts on a variety of riders but it’s always nice to put the white bridles and white reins on for Chris Waller. To ride a winner for Neville Morgan who has been a big owner for Chris. I remember the days when I first came to Sydney. I was riding Secret Admirer against Rangirangdoo. It’s a pleasure to ride a winner for them.”
Waller said the 5yo gelding had been a great horse for the stable.
“He is a Ground-breaking horse with a Golden Eagle, Epsom and in some pretty good colours as well,” Waller said.
“Obviously, he’s a horse that needs good tracks. I think he probably doesn’t get a lot of credit when he’s been getting beaten on wet tracks, which has been most of this preparation. He is a much better horse in Sydney on the right leg. He’s a good horse and he showed it today.
“I’m not sure if there’s much in Queensland, but he will be back in a Winx Stakes-type race, providing we get a good track.”
Purchased by Mulcaster Bloodstock for $170,000 out of the Wentwood Grange draft at the 2017 NZB Premier Yearling Sale, Kolding is one of three stakes-winners out of the Danzero mare Magic Star who was purchased by Kolding's breeder Warren Pegg for $34,000 at the 2008 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.
Seven out of Magic Star's eight foals to reach the track are winners with Kolding leading the prolific Group II winner Sampson (Dubai Destination) and the Listed winner Miss Upstart (Snippetson).
Kolding is the penultimate foal of Magic Star. who sadly died in 2018.
