Last year Aurora's Symphony broke a 12-month drought to win the Colac Cup, followed by the Group III Ladbrokes Launceston Cup, and he achieved the double again in 2023.
Ridden by Blaike McDougall for Symon Wilde, the 6yo son of Glass Harmonium (IRE) won the $300,000 feature at Launceston on Wednesday, defeating Rising Light (Dawn Approach) by a half-length with Spirit Ridge (GB) (Nathaniel), a short-head back in third.
The 6yo gelding A 5yo gelding advances his record to eight wins, five seconds and six thirds from 32 starts with earnings of $646,290.
“We were fortunate to draw barrier one, and Symon sent him out in magnificent order,” McDougall said.
“The way he travelled in the run, he was never going to get beat. He was in a lovely rhythm throughout. When Gai’s dropped out (Military Mission), I thought it was all too easy and was worried that something might be coming.
“I only arrived ten minutes before I had to because my flight was delayed. I only picked up the ride on Monday night.
“I have some family down here, so it is nice to be rewarded with one of the majors.”
A $40,000 purchase by Wilde Racing from the Blue Gum Farm draft at the 2018 Inglis VOBIS Gold Yearling Sale, Aurora's Symphony is a half-brother to stakes-placed Smokin' Val (Valentia).
He is out of the unraced Fantastic Light (IRE) mare Aurora's Hot, a half-sister to Group 1 Sydney Cup winner Niwot (Galileo).
Bought by Meduri Bloodstock for $18,000 at the 2019 Inglis Great Southern Sale, Aurora's Hot has a 2yo brother to Aurora's Symphony and a yearling colt by Highland Reel (IRE). She foaled a Kermadec filly last spring.
