The strong association between Inglis graduates and the stallion-making Coolmore Stud Stakes continued at Flemington today when Merchant Navy won the Group 1 event.
Merchant Navy (Fastnet Rock x Legally Bay)made it five career wins from six starts with the victory and is now the most valuable colt in Australian racing.
In doing so he became the third Inglis graduate to win the race in the past four years following Flying Artie (2016) and Brazen Beau (2014).
The 3YO is a graduate of the 2016 Australian Easter Yearling Sale, when Ciaron Maher Racing paid $350,000 for him from the Segenhoe Stud draft.
Segenhoe's Peter O'Brien described Merchant Navy as "the best foal we had that year'' and when Maher bought the colt, O'Brien was the first to approach him.
"I found Ciaron straight away and said I wanted to stay in, so I retained a share and here we are on Derby Day winning the Coolmore. This is what dreams are made of,'' O'Brien said.
"He was a special colt from the day he was born.
"Not only was he well bred and a great looker, he just had this unbelievable demeanour. He was everything I look for in a horse.''
Merchant Navy has now won more than $800,000 in prizemoney.
MERCHANT NAVY
(Fastnet Rock x Legally Bay)
Group 1 win:Coolmore Stud Stakes
Sale:2016 Australian Easter Yearling Sale
Price:$350,000
Vendor:Segenhoe Stud
Breeder:Mr C Barham
Buyer:Ciaron Maher Racing
Trainer:Aaron Purcell
Owners:Seymour Bloodstock (Mgr: DS Thomas), Halo Racing Services Pty Ltd (Mgr: CB McKenna), All Cast (Mgr: MJ Catanzariti), Coolmore (Mgr: TV Magnier), Rockhart (Mgr: E Irwin), BG Taylor, P O'Brien, CJ Barham, Dr DL O'Byrne, MJ Kirwan, KD Barry & DS Grimley.
