Local Hero Great Shot Claims the Railway Stakes

Mark Smith - Saturday November 25

A $31 shot usually silences the punters but not so for those on track at Ascot on Saturday who welcomed the local hope Great Shot after he turned back the challenge of the eastern state invaders in the $1 million Group 1 James Boag's Premium-Railway Stakes (1600m).

Providing a career highlight for young trainer Rhys Radford and jockey Craig Staples, Great Shot led into the straight and bravely repelled the challenges of 5-time Group 1 winner Black Heart Bart and perennial bridesmaid Tom Melbourne in a thrilling finish where less than a length covered the first five across the line.

The winner of the WATC Belmont Guineas at three, Great Shot added the Cyril Flower Stakes on the same track in February then the Listed Old Comrade Stakes in April.

The 5yo son of Manus (pictured left ) advances his record to 8 wins, 8 seconds and 3 thirds from 24 starts with earnings of $1,204,875.

"We thought he would run a great race and we were just hoping his best was good enough," the 26yo Radford said.

Advertisement

"I've never had a horse that tries as hard as he does, and he is a credit to himself.

"I couldn't be happier, and it might take a day or two to sink in."

A $31,000 purchase by his owner Francis Edwards from the Scenic Lodge draft at the 2014 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Great Shot (pictured right ) is a three-quarter brother to Listed winner and multiple stakes-placed Gawne (Flying Spur) out of the 4-time Sydney winning mare Satin Covers (Dr Grace).


A daughter of the Group 1 Orlando Wines Classic winner Satan Sand, Satin Covers was purchased by Scenic Lodge for $26,000 at the 2012 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale when carrying the future Group 1 Railway Stakes winner.

Sadly, for Scenic Lodge, Satin Covers did not produce another foal.

She spent four fruitless seasons visiting Blackfriars before being retired in January 2016.

Great Shot becomes the third Group 1 winner for Sun Stud's Magnus who is standing his tenth season at a fee of $22,000.

Advertisment
More Reading...
NZ Racing Woman of the Year
Caitlin O’Sullivan Doyle has been immersed in racing from a young age and she was recognised for her individual contribution to the industry at Entain’s Industry Excellence Awards on Sunday.
Alice Jeffries - Rising Star in Breeding Industry
Alice Jeffries didn’t always see a future for herself in the breeding industry, but a very special filly played a key role in getting her to where she is today, working as Cambridge Stud’s Assistant Yearling Manager, and receiving Entain’s Newcomer Excellence Award on Sunday.
Bergerson Honoured at Entain Industry Excellence Awards
Sam Bergerson, New Zealand’s leading trainer, was recognised by his peers when receiving the top gong at the Entain Industry Excellence Awards on Sunday night.
Euro G1 – Bridesmaid No More and Two Time Derby Hero
Aga Khan Studs don’t race a lot of geldings, but one that they do is Calandagan, who shook off his G1 bridesmaid tag winning the Group I Grand Prix de Saint Cloud in France, while in Ireland the Coolmore machine kept the winning run going to take out the Group I Irish Derby (1 ½ m).
New kids on the block add fresh blood to Vibrant Victorian breeding scene
With 11 new stallions standing in Victoria this coming breeding season, including the winners of three Group 1 races on their ‘home’ soil, the short and long-term future looks increasingly bright for the state’s vibrant industry. 
National Online Breeding Stock Sale Online Now
The National Online Breeding Stock Sale has launched on Gavelhouse Plus with bidding open on the 87 Lots sale which is set to end from 7pm on Wednesday 9th July.
Tenth 2YO Winner Spirit of Boom
Lindsay Park Racing produced the tenth 2YO winner of the season for Spirit of Boom at Pakenham on Monday when the well backed favourite Idleonby saluted at her second start.
G1 Aussie Season – Best of the Best
The $700,000 Group I Tatts Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm last Saturday was the last of 76 Australian Group I races run this season that produced 57 individual Group I winners, so let’s take a look at the best of the best.
Matahga Makes it a Memorable Weekend for Lawson
Waikato horseman Simon Lawson has an eye for a bargain, and the product of one of his purchases turned into his first stakes winner over the weekend.
Sires With Winners - Monday June 30
Here is the full list of 20 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.