AN ELLEEGANT AFFAIR AS STARS SHINE ON FUJITSU GENERAL GEORGE MAIN STAKES DAY

September 18, 2021

Day one of the world-famous Everest Carnival on Fujitsu General George Main Stakes Day at Royal Randwick, didn’t disappoint with a bevy of turf stars including Verry Elleegant and Eduardo showing true grit and class in their respective contests.

Leading jockey James McDonald slipped Verry Elleegant along the inside rail late to snare the Group 1 Fujitsu General George Main Stakes (1600m) from front runner Riodini, giving the bonny little mare a ninth unique Group 1 victory and his own 55^th elite win in the process.

“She pulls out all stops this horse, she’s as tough as nails,” said McDonald.

Meanwhile Champion Trainer Chris Waller, who notched up a 127^th career Group 1 victory, was thrilled with the performance.

“It’s an honour to train a horse like this. She had to dig deep the last 200 but that’s when horses like Verry Elleegant start to excel. The tougher the contest the better she’ll go,” said Waller.

In a thrilling contest, the Joe Pride-trained Eduardo, rolled TAB race favourite Nature Strip in the Group 2 Bowermans Commercial Furniture Shorts (1100m). In what was a mini-Everest preview with six of the eight runners being slot holders for the $15 million race, in form hoop Nash Rawiller is feeling confident the eight-year-old gelding will acquit himself again for slot holders The Star and Arrowfield Stud for the grand final over 1200 metres in four weeks.

“The horse was just magnificent. He was strong late. He’s a furnished product and the real deal,” enthused Rawiller who rode his fourth winner for the day aboard Eduardo.

While Nature Strip was incredibly brave in defeat, Gytrash was an eye-catching performance to finish third, having had no luck in the run.

Impressive three-year-old Snitzel filly Four Moves Ahead took out the third leg of the Darley Princess Series in the Group 1 Darley Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) for Randwick-based trainer John Sargent.

View the raceday highlights below.