Australian Bloodstock has an unparallel reputation for sourcing European horses that can compete at the top level in Australia and they have done it again with Saturday's $2 million Group 1 Schweppes Sydney Cup winner Shraaoh (IRE).
The Chris Waller-trained son of the champion Sea The Stars came from midfield and kept up a relentless gallop under Jay Ford to defeat Vengeur Masque (IRE) (Monsun) at bay by a long neck with Glory Days (Red Giant) third. (images Steve Hart )
For the second year in a row, Waller has swept the Group 1 features, the Sydney Cup, Queen Elizabeth Stakes and ATC Oaks.
"It has been a memorable day. I think there is a good chance I won't forget this day," Waller said.
"He was identified from England by the people behind the horse and I thank them very much. They've entrusted me to set him for it. He won first-up over 2800m. That gave us the confidence to know he was capable of winning a race like this. You hope they come up.
"The team in the Northern Hemisphere said he was twice the horse on a dry track and he proved that today."
The winner of two of his 12 starts in England, Shraaoh (IRE) won first-up over 2800 metres at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day.
He came into the Sydney Cup off the back of a second in the Group II Chairman's Quality (2600m) at Randwick on April 6.
It was the first Group 1 win for Jay Ford since Monaco Consul in the 2009 Spring Champion Stakes.
"He travelled well. Almost too well. It was a very muddling, on and off tempo. He always travelled strong throughout," Ford said.
I think the week back up certainly worked for him. From the half-mile, he was always travelling and I was just pinching runs along the fence. I just needed a little bit of room at the right time and we were able to push ourselves into the clear. He was very game to the line.
"His last few runs were very consistent without winning. He has got his head in front on the main day.
"It's very satisfying for myself personally. I've ridden the rollercoaster a long time in Sydney. I used to ride a very good horse (Takeover Target) and then he disappeared. Things have been up and down since then.
"I've had bits and pieces of opportunities. I've come close a few times since. I'm just thankful I can ride light and I do ride a lot for Chris."
Shraaoh (IRE) becomes the 10th Group 1 winner for Gilltown Stud's champion Sea The Stars and becomes the second stakes-winner for the Monsun mare Jumooh (GB) after the Group III Newmarket Bahrain Trophy winner Raheen House.
Jumooh is a half-sister to the Group II Royal Ascot Queen Mary Stakes winner Maqaasid (Green Desert) who placed in the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes and Group 1 The One Thousand Guineas.
RACE REPLAY – SYDNEY CUP (R8)
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 13, 2019
Shraaoh outstayed his rivals to pull off a tremendous win in the Group 1 Sydney Cup on day 2 of The @Championshipsrr@royalrandwick. pic.twitter.com/TfNbry2li3
