It was such a thrill to train a winner for George Altomonte of Corumbene Stud and his wife, Lucia. They entrusted us with their lovely mare Anatola (More than Ready (USA)/Wager) and she didn’t disappoint, taking out the Catanach’s Handicap over 1200m at Randwick Racecourse on Saturday 16th December 2017. The favourite, Sugar Bella was a late scratching at the barriers, with the jockey Kerrin McEvoy earning himself a trip to the hospital for a suspected broken hand. That having been said, it would have added interest to the race if the favourite had of run. Jockey Josh Parr and Anatola easily took control of the race early, putting a gap on the rest of the field when just 250 metres out and maintaining her lead for a confident 1-1/4 lengths win.

She ran the 1200m in 1:09.35, (with the last 600 metres in 34.62) which was a quicker time than the listed Razor Sharp Handicap over the same distance later in the day.

Being associated with those distinctive colours (Orange, Brown Spots, White Sleeves and Cap) crossing the finishing line first, it makes you realise what a privilege it is to be a part of the continued Corumbene Stud success story. Albeit, only our first winning combination, but hopefully it will be the first of many more to come.

Nb. Pictures courtesy of Bradley Photographers