Pride’s little bulldog does it again

Tom Walter - Saturday October 21

It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.

Advertisement
They don't come tougher than Destiny's Kiss. Photo: Steve Hart

The diminutive Destiny's Kiss epitomises those words, famously said by 19th Century American writer Mark Twain.

With 60kg and his four rivals carrying 6.5kg – 7kg less, the nine-year-old gelding produced another vintage win over the Randwick 2400m course when claiming Saturday's Listed Tattersalls Club Cup.

At the 300m mark, backers of Destiny's Kiss ($4.60) would have just about torn up their ticket as the favourite Alward ($2.40) shot to a seemingly unassailable lead.

But true to his fighting spirit, Joe Pride's stable stalwart gradually cut back the margin and lunged on the line to claim his 17th career win at start number 75.

"I don't know how I'm going to replace a horse like him," Pride said.

"I've had better horses, quite a few, but none as gallant – he's amazing. He's just such a courageous little horse.

"When the rain came I knew we were a chance, but I still had healthy respect for the younger horses that were going to get a lot of weight off him."

Winning rider Jay Ford was also glowing in his praise for Destiny's Kiss, now an earner of more than $1.26 million despite having never won beyond Listed grade.

"I thought he was in a bit of trouble but once he got around the turn he started to rally and reel them in slowly," Ford said.

"Over the last furlong he really powered to the line. It was a mammoth effort from the horse – he's a little warrior with a heart of gold."

Pride said Destiny's Kiss would now be sent out for a freshen-up with a view to returning for the Summer Cups.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Tara Talks Racing - Trials and Racing
This week we’re talking trials after an insightful set of official 2YO trials in Sydney, plus some racing and how Fangirl will eventually go to stud with two Group I wins less on her resume than there should be.
Wootton Bassett Sad Passing
Wootton Bassett, one of the world’s great sires, has sadly passed away today at Coolmore Australia.
First trial success for Sword Of State
Cambridge Stud stallion Sword Of State was represented by an impressive trial winner when State Of Valour coasted to victory in his two-year-old heat over 730m at Te Rapa on Tuesday.
Third Trial Winner for Home Affairs – This Time New Zealand
Hot on the heels of siring two trial winners at Randwick on Monday at the official Sydney 2YO trials, Home Affairs produced an impressive trial winner at Te Rapa in New Zealand on Tuesday.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday September 23
Here is the full list of 28 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Seeking Slipper Success? Seek Sejardan
The Gr.1 Golden Slipper Stakes - the world's richest juvenile event and Australia's premier test of juvenile speed.
Pedigree Potential –NZB Ready to Run – Nicks that Click
A quality packed catalogue for the 2025 NZB Ready to Run Sale is now online and in the lead up to the sale we’ll go looking each week for some horses of interest that jump out on pedigree for various reasons.
2025 G1 Golden Rose Field and Barrier Draw
Godolphin filly Tempted will take on eight colts in a nine horse Group One Golden Rose at Rosehill on Saturday where she retains favouritism after drawing barrier eight.
Well Bred Wootton Bassett Ready to Win
Regally bred colt Lydiard Park will have conditions more in his favour on Wednesday to add performance to his pedigree.
Sires With Winners - Monday September 22
Here is the full list of 28 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.