Whobebeatyou?
November 2nd 2008 05:26
The VRC Derby did not go according to script when 100/1 outsider Rebel Raider claimed the Spring 3 year old staying prize.
(photo: Mark Dadswell Getty Images)
The 3 year old sensation of the Spring, Whobegotyou, finished gamely to run a clear 2nd - but stretched out to 2500m he did not have the dazzling and sustained acceleration that emphasised his earlier Group victories. Starting at $1.75 it was expected that the Mark Kavanagh trained favourite need only stay off the rails (in clear running) and away from interference to win. Although Whobegotyou was engaged in a minor bumping battle it was the tough son of Reset that had the necessary sting and stamina to surge in the straight and win.
It was also an historic victory for women in horseracing as Clare Lindop became the first woman to ride the winner of a thoroughbred classic Group One event in Australia. Clare has already blazed a trail of firsts by being the first woman to win a metropolitan jockeys’ premiership - as she was also the first woman to ride in a Melbourne Cup (finishing unplaced on Debben - also for Leon MacDonald - in 2003). Last year Clare rode Dolphin Jo into fifth place in the Melbourne Cup. Clare was announced as the rider for Bart Cummings’ Moatize in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup after he gained last minute entry into the field with a win on Saturday in the Saab Quality.
(photo: Quinn Rooney Getty Images)
Believing that she was riding the best stayer - if not the best or most brilliant horse in the field - Clare took off for home as the field started to bunch before turning for home. Rebel Raider cleared out before Whobegotyou had clearly managed to find second place. For a few strides it appeared that the champion 3 year old may once again overpower his rivals - but this time the zip was lacking - and the endeavour from Rebel Raider unrelenting.
Mark Kavanagh was quizzical as to why Whobegotyou was giving a 20 length start to his rivals on the day, but hesitated at being too critical of Michael Rodd. But he did make his point for future reference.
In a twist of fate Kavanagh purchased a half-brother to his Derby nemesis when he paid $60,000 for the Shamardal colt at the William Inglis Melbourne sales this year. Rebel Raider is by Reset, a son of Zabeel who retired to stud undefeated after 7 starts (up to a maximum of 1600m). Originally owned by lloyd Williams, Reset was sold for (a reputed) $20 million to Darley Australia. Rebel Raider gives Reset his first Group One success.
Trainer Leon MacDonald from South Australia previously had the heartbreak of thinking he had won the 2002 Derby with longshot Hydrometer - as did everyone else viewing the race on course or through broadcast at home - but he was the beaten the smallest possible margin by the long odds-on Helenus.
"I always had faith in him but when he drew gate 15 I doubted if he could do it because no horse ever has. I think he can make a true stayer but we're not worried about anything else today. We will just enjoy this. I'm still shaking." - Leon MacDonald.
“I couldn't believe it when I hit the front and knew we were going to win the Derby.”
"My legs were like jelly coming back (to scale)."
"I could hear the racecaller and I just concentrated on trying to keep my horse straight. We never doubted he had the ability to stay, but he's not the easiest horse to handle. I was really impressed with the way he finished off today, it was just awesome." - Clare Lindop.
Rebel Raider on his way to a Derby victory
(photo: Mark Dadswell Getty Images)
The 3 year old sensation of the Spring, Whobegotyou, finished gamely to run a clear 2nd - but stretched out to 2500m he did not have the dazzling and sustained acceleration that emphasised his earlier Group victories. Starting at $1.75 it was expected that the Mark Kavanagh trained favourite need only stay off the rails (in clear running) and away from interference to win. Although Whobegotyou was engaged in a minor bumping battle it was the tough son of Reset that had the necessary sting and stamina to surge in the straight and win.
It was also an historic victory for women in horseracing as Clare Lindop became the first woman to ride the winner of a thoroughbred classic Group One event in Australia. Clare has already blazed a trail of firsts by being the first woman to win a metropolitan jockeys’ premiership - as she was also the first woman to ride in a Melbourne Cup (finishing unplaced on Debben - also for Leon MacDonald - in 2003). Last year Clare rode Dolphin Jo into fifth place in the Melbourne Cup. Clare was announced as the rider for Bart Cummings’ Moatize in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup after he gained last minute entry into the field with a win on Saturday in the Saab Quality.
Presentation with Clare Lindop and Leon Macdonald
(photo: Quinn Rooney Getty Images)
Believing that she was riding the best stayer - if not the best or most brilliant horse in the field - Clare took off for home as the field started to bunch before turning for home. Rebel Raider cleared out before Whobegotyou had clearly managed to find second place. For a few strides it appeared that the champion 3 year old may once again overpower his rivals - but this time the zip was lacking - and the endeavour from Rebel Raider unrelenting.
Mark Kavanagh was quizzical as to why Whobegotyou was giving a 20 length start to his rivals on the day, but hesitated at being too critical of Michael Rodd. But he did make his point for future reference.
In a twist of fate Kavanagh purchased a half-brother to his Derby nemesis when he paid $60,000 for the Shamardal colt at the William Inglis Melbourne sales this year. Rebel Raider is by Reset, a son of Zabeel who retired to stud undefeated after 7 starts (up to a maximum of 1600m). Originally owned by lloyd Williams, Reset was sold for (a reputed) $20 million to Darley Australia. Rebel Raider gives Reset his first Group One success.
Trainer Leon MacDonald from South Australia previously had the heartbreak of thinking he had won the 2002 Derby with longshot Hydrometer - as did everyone else viewing the race on course or through broadcast at home - but he was the beaten the smallest possible margin by the long odds-on Helenus.
"I always had faith in him but when he drew gate 15 I doubted if he could do it because no horse ever has. I think he can make a true stayer but we're not worried about anything else today. We will just enjoy this. I'm still shaking." - Leon MacDonald.
“I couldn't believe it when I hit the front and knew we were going to win the Derby.”
"My legs were like jelly coming back (to scale)."
"I could hear the racecaller and I just concentrated on trying to keep my horse straight. We never doubted he had the ability to stay, but he's not the easiest horse to handle. I was really impressed with the way he finished off today, it was just awesome." - Clare Lindop.
| 28 |
| Vote |
Shared on
Subscribe to this blog
