INTERNATIONAL RUNNERS AIMING TO LAND XXXX GOLDEN EAGLE ARRIVE IN SYDNEY
October 8, 2021
A group of international horses including several targeting the $7.5 million XXXX Golden Eagle at Rosehill Gardens are due to arrive in Sydney this weekend and remain in NSW stables to continue their racing careers.
Seven horses will land and go to stables in Sydney and Newcastle with trainers John O’Shea, Annabel Neasham and Kris Lees.
Among them are Group 1 winner Laws Of Indices (Annabel Neasham) and the well credentialled Maximal (John O’Shea) with both likely to head towards Sydney’s second richest race the $7.5 million XXXX Golden Eagle at Rosehill Gardens on 30 October.
Top Rank – one of two horses purchased by Australian Bloodstock – is a Group 1 placegetter in the UK and will also join the Annabel Neasham stable while the second, Acquitted, will be trained by Kris Lees in Newcastle.
Syndicators OTI who have enjoyed continued success in Sydney staying races in recent years will send three horses headed by XXXX Golden Eagle contender Reve de Vol, Win O’Clock and Mirann.
Australian Turf Club Executive General Manager Racing and Wagering James Ross said the shipment of horses was another example of the growing international confidence in Sydney racing.
“It has been an unusual year with a number of restrictions limiting internationally trained horses and participants competing but it is pleasing to facilitate a high quality group to travel to Sydney and remain in training here,’’ Mr Ross said.
“We have been able to encourage a number of connections to base horses in Sydney and target significant prizemoney races such as the XXXX Golden Eagle amongst others, with many also keen to take part in the growing number of feature races in late Spring and Summer.
“The Everest Carnival is being recognised around the world and this is highlighted by the growing number of well performed horses heading to Sydney, including Maximal a three quarter brother to legendry sire Frankel who remains in the ownership of internationally renowned breeders Juddmonte.
“Both Racing NSW and ATC are delighted to assist local connections to bring horses through Canterbury as it allows a ready-to-race pathway to continue to grow and support our international participation in years to come.’’
View a video of several of the horses and interviews with some connections below.