Dissident's Namakwa Triumphs in Stawell Gold Cup

Mark Smith - Sunday April 17

Namakwa does not yet have the black-type of his siblings, Calveen, Kosei Bay, Striker, and Fireworks, but he does have a Stawell Gold Cup.

Namakwa in full flight (image Brendan McCarthy/Racing Photos)

The 4yo son of Dissident added to the silverware of trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace and country cups king, Harry Coffey when holding the fast-finishing One More Try (Dane Shadow) by a half neck in Sunday’s feature at Stawell.  

Advertisement

The Frankel gelding Farooq (Frankel) was a further length and a quarter back in third.

A $100,000 purchase for First Light Racing / Ciaron Maher Racing / Paul Willets Bloodstock Consultancy from the Supreme Thoroughbreds draft at the 2019 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale,  Namakwa advances his record to four wins, one second, and a third from 12 starts with earnings of $157,875.

It’s great to see the horse return to form and great for First Light Racing, the team at home and Harry Coffey,” stable representative Georgia Lowry said.

“The whole team is flying, and everyone is digging in and doing a good job.

Time to celebrate (Brendan McCarthy/Racing Photos)

“We have a few owners on the course, and it’s great to have them back to celebrate.

 “I’m not sure what the plan is with him, whether we look for more county cups, possibly the Warrnambool Cup. I will leave that to the boys.  

Namakwa is the fifteenth and final foal of Fairway Thoroughbreds' outstanding producer Calvinia.

Namakwa a $100,000 Inglis Premier yearling

The daughter of Varick is the dam of Group 1 ARC Easter Handicap winner Calveen, Group II AJC Emancipation winner Kosi Bay, Group III ATC Widden Stakes winner Fireworks, and dual Listed winner Striker.

Fireworks (Snitzel) is the dam of this season’s Listed VRC Foundation Plate winner Millane (I Am Invincible), Striker (Van Nistelrooy) is the dam of Group II WATC West. Australian Oaks winner First Impressions. Another daughter of Calvinia,  Acacia Bay (Rodrigo De Triano), is the dam of Group III SAJC Fillies Classic winner Okahu Bay (Flying Spur), the dam of Group II winner Pareanui Bay (Lonhro).

After beginning his stud career at Newgate Farm, Horse Of The Year Dissident now stands at Riverdene Stud.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Tuesday June 3
Here is the full list of 30 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Frosty Girl impressive on debut
The Chris Waller-trained Frosty Girl made the perfect start to her career when coming from last to land the Asahi Super Dry Plate (1300m) on debut at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
American-Bred Jillaroo (USA) Records First Win
Purchased at the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling Sale by Ciaron Maher, the now 4yo mare Jillaroo (USA) (Curlin) initially started her racing career in the United States but after an Australian debut second at Caulfield in early May, recorded her maiden victory at Doomben.
Written By Filly Dominates Warwick Farm Juvenile Contest
First seen at the two-year-old trials back in September, Marc Conners’ chestnut filly Penpel (Written By) produce a quality effort at just her second racetrack appearance, racing clear at Warwick Farm to score by more than three lengths.
Third Stakes Success For Justify’s Spicy Martini
A winner of four from six, three at stakes level highlighted by the reschedule Group 3 Fred Best Classic (1350m), the Toby Edmonds & Stephen McLean trained Spicy Martini (Justify) will now head to the Group 1 Stradbroke with just 49.5kgs on her back – not bad for an $8,000 online yearling purchase!
One to Watch – Echuca
Twin Hills Stud’s Peltzer had an impressive winner at Echuca on Tuesday for his breeder Olly Tait.
Stakes Performed Zousain Filly Too Good At Doomben
Third in the Listed Calaway Stakes two starts back, lightly raced two-year-old Zousain filly Sweet Pretender produced the goods at Doomben, charging late to win the Mullins Lawyers QTIS Two-Year-Old Maiden Plate (1350m).
$1500 Weanling Becomes $525,000 Top Lot at MM National Yearling Finale
A colt by Harry Angel set a new benchmark in Australia for his sire and topped the final day of the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale when selling for $525,000 to conclude a hugely successful two weeks of sales.
Pride of Jenni to Visit I Am Invincible - Match Made in Heaven
Three-time Champion Sire I Am Invincible has been confirmed as the first mating for reigning Australian Champion Racehorse of the Year Pride Of Jenni, who will head to the breeding barn this season following a phenomenal racing career.
Second Winner For Ghaiyyath As Observer Scores By Five
Second on debut when just three parts of a length off the winner at Pakenham, the James Cummings’ trained Observer (Ghaiyyath) looked sensational as he made a mess of his rivals to score over 1400m in the Tile Importer Handicap on the Sandown Lakeside course.