breednet.com.au

Skyman Captures McKell Cup

Mark Smith - Saturday June 18

A picture-perfect ride by Willie Pike paved the way for the Chris Waller-trained Skyman (GB) to open his stakes account in Saturday’s Listed Drinkwise W J McKell Cup (2000m) at Rosehill.

Skyman wins the McKell Cup - image Steve Hart

Pike eased Skyman (GB) around the tiring leader Surf Dancer (IRE) before drawing clear to defeat Dr Drill (GB) (Dansili) by two and a half lengths with Welsh Legend (Camelot) a length back in third.

Advertisement

Breaking a 14-month drought, Skyman (GB) has been a reliable money-spinner since his 42,000 gns purchase by Go Racing at the 2019 Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale.

With his black-type breakthrough at his sixth stakes attempt, Skyman (GB) advances his record to six wins, six seconds, and three thirds from 29 starts with earnings of $530,926.

Skyman a 42,00gns purchase at Tattersalls

The rising 7yo son of Group 1 Eclipse Stakes winner Mukhadram (Shamardal) is the best of three winners from six to race for the Dalakhani (IRE) mare Skyrider, a sister to Group III Milan Premio Chiusura winner Gothic Dance.

Skyman credits former Shadwell Stud stallion Mukhadram with his fourth stakes-winner.

Advertisment

Race Result - Drinkwise W. J. McKell Cup LR 2000m

Rosehill Track: Good(4) Time: 2:02.87
1
Skyman
- 6g Mukhadram (GB) x Skyrider (IRE) (Dalakhani (IRE))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: W Pike 53
2
2.5
Dr Drill
- 7g Dansili (GB) x Pongee (GB) (Barathea (IRE))
Tnr: C Maher & D Eustace Rdr: K S Latham 58
3
3.5
Welsh Legend
- 6m Camelot (GB) x Onethingatatime (AUS) (Catcher In The Rye (IRE))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: J Ford 53
4
3.6
Youth Spirit
- 4h Camelot (GB) x Rocana (GB) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: Tim Clark 54.5
5
3.7
The Frontman
- 4g Makfi (GB) x Imposingly (AUS) (Zabeel (NZ))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: J R Collett 54.5
6
3.8
Surf Dancer
- 5g Lope De Vega (IRE) x Beach Belle (GB) (Invincible Spirit (IRE))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: Rachel King 55
7
6.8
Southern France
- 7g Galileo (IRE) x Alta Anna (FR) (Anabaa (USA))
Tnr: Matthew Smith Rdr: K Mc Evoy 59.5
8
10.6
Spirit Ridge
- 7g Nathaniel (IRE) x Tates Creek (USA) (Rahy (USA))
Tnr: Mark Newnham Rdr: J Parr 57
More Reading...
Headline Acts at a Bigger 2026 Inglis Easter
Countless headline acts are scheduled to take their place at next year’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, for which the catalogue is nearing its final stages of completion.
D’Argento Filly Wins $100,000 Inglis Xtra Bonus
Stakes-placed at two and fourth in the Group II ATC Percy Sykes Stakes to Tempted, it seems amazing that D’Argento filly Sequista was not a winner until Thursday, but she picked a good day to break the ice claiming a $100,000 Inglis Xtra bonus for her Gosford victory.
Sires With Winners - Thursday December 4
Here is the full list of 34 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Skyman Edges Stablemate Oscar Zulu in Rowley Mile
Chris Waller had five of the eleven starters in  Thursday’s $165,000 Listed Pioneer Services Rowley Mile Rowley (1600m) at Hawkesbury and supplied the quinella.
Breeding To Win - 2025 G1 WATC Northerly Stakes
With the end of 2025 fast approaching it’s time to turn our attention to the final G1 race of the Australian racing year, and the last of the “big three” at the Ascot Pinnacles carnival - so who can win? 
Chaldean Foals Popular at Tattersalls December
The first Northern Hemisphere bred foals by Cambridge Stud shuttler Chaldean (GB) were in keen demand at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale with a cracking filly leading the way when she changed hands for 240,000gns.
Skyman (GB) a Class Above in Bernborough Plate
The Chris Waller-trained Skyman (GB) continues to be a grand money spinner for connections, adding a third stakes success in Saturday’s $200,000 Listed Bernborough Plate (1600m) at Doomben.
Fourth Stakes Win for Tattersalls Bargain Skyman
The Chris Waller-trained Skyman (GB) has earned his place on the rapidly growing honour roll of European-bred stable stalwarts following his win in Saturday’s Listed Tails Stakes (1615m) at Doomben.
From Kingston Town to Northerly - A Race Named for Champions
With the end of 2025 fast approaching it’s time to turn our attention to the final G1 race of the Australian racing year, and the last of the “big three” at the Ascot Pinnacles carnival - It is of course, the $1.5 million Northerly Stakes run over 1800m at WFA, and this year marks its 50th running.
One To Watch - Randwick-Kensignton
Primed to make his debut off the back of six barrier trials, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained Flying Artie colt Lancelot Du Lac impressed onlookers at his first race start, with the half-brother to Group 1 Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot pulling clear to score by just shy of two and a half lengths.