Star’s Secret to Keeping Waller Calm Before Via Sistina’s Triumph: ‘I’ll Ride Her Like Winx’
The recent Champions Mile showcased the emergence of a new contender, Ceolwulf, who secured victory in a thrilling battle against Pericles. This Joseph Pride-trained gelding edged out his opponent by a mere nose, while Steffi Magnetica from Sydney claimed third position. However, the triumph was overshadowed for Ceolwulf’s jockey, Chad Schofield, who was fined $35,000 for breaching the whip rule and received an 11-meeting suspension for careless riding near the finish line.
Chad Schofield’s Penalty Impact
The hefty penalty will significantly impact Schofield’s earnings from the race, which totaled $90,000. Following the race, trainer Joseph Pride expressed aspirations of entering Ceolwulf in prestigious future events, including the Cox Plate and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. “We’ll find out in autumn whether he can compete effectively at 2000 meters,” Pride stated.
Via Sistina’s Triumph
In a separate race, Via Sistina, guided by prominent trainer Chris Waller, showcased her dominance by winning with a three-length margin. This victory marked her 12th group 1 win, further establishing her status in the racing world. Waller praised both the mare and jockey James McDonald, noting their successful collaboration that has now resulted in 50 group 1 wins together.
- Winning horse: Via Sistina
- Number of group 1 victories: 12
- Winning trainer: Chris Waller
- Winning jockey: James McDonald
- Group 1 wins together: 50
Waller revealed that McDonald approached the race with a strategy akin to riding Winx, emphasizing the importance of giving the horse space to perform. The trust between Waller and McDonald was evident, with Waller stating, “There’s less pressure when you trust each other.” Their partnership is now closing in on the Australian record held by the legendary Gai Waterhouse and her father, Tommy Smith.
Giga Kick’s Remarkable Comeback
In the $3 million Champions Sprint, Giga Kick demonstrated remarkable resilience by winning after a significant absence due to injury. The six-year-old galloped to victory by a nose against Magic Time, showcasing his tenacity as described by trainer Clayton Douglas. “He’s done a tremendous job to get back to group 1 level,” Douglas remarked proudly.
- Winning horse: Giga Kick
- Victory margin: Nose
- Trainer: Clayton Douglas
- Career prize money: $14.3 million
Mark Zahra, the jockey for Giga Kick, acknowledged the fierce competition but praised his horse’s determination in the final stretch. The recent win not only elevated Giga Kick’s status but also increased Zahra’s tally to seven wins during the Cup carnival, including two group 1 victories on Derby Day.
