Zousain Filly Chateau Miraval Makes Winning Debut

Mark Smith - Wednesday February 14

The highly-regarded Zousain filly, Chateau Miraval, lived up to the wraps when making a winning debut at Randwick Kensington on Wednesday, but it was a close-run thing.

Advertisement

Ridden by Tim Clark for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, the Yulong colour-bearer took up the running from the $700,000Zoustar debutant Growing Empire, who also sported the bottle green Yulong silks.  

Chateau Miraval clung to a desperate short-half-head advantage over Growing Empire in a driving finish, but the drama did not end there.

Growing Empire took a sharp left turn shortly after the winning post and crashed through the outside running rail as Jason Collett bailed out.

 Fortunately, both horse and rider seemed to come out of the incident relatively unscathed, although Collett was stood down for the rest of the day.   

The $950,000 I Am Invincible first-starter President came from last to finish third.

“It was a tough effort on debut. She was excellent and very courageous, and there is plenty of upside,” Adrian Bott said.

“She is no doubt one of the best fillies in the yard. She will take the fillies lead-ups to the Golden Slipper and we will see how she stacks up. I think she can get to black-type level, which will be important for the family and connections.

Rosemont Stud consigned Chateau Miraval to the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. She was the highest-priced yearling by her first crop sire, Zousain, when Yu Long Investments/Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing/Kestrel Thoroughbreds had the final say at $650,000.

Chateau Miraval a $650,000 Magic Millions yearling

A three-quarter-sister to Group II Furious Stakes winner and Group 1 Flight Stakes third North Star Lass (Zoustar), the strapping bay filly is the third winner from as many to race for the talented Sheila's Star (Snitzel), a 5-time winner and Group III placed.

A half-sister to stakes-winner Jacqueline Rouge out of the Group III VATC Blue Diamond Preview winner Northeast Sheila, Sheila's Star was a $250,000 purchase for Rosemont Stud at the 2017 National Broodmare Sale and sold three years later for $90,000 to Sandhurst Bloodstock.

After foaling a Zoustar filly in September, Sheila's Star was covered by Zoustar in November after missing to an earlier cover by Wootton Bassett (GB).

Chateau Miraval is the third winner and second Australian winner in the space of two days for Widden Stud’s Zousain after Drifting impressed on debut at Hawkesbury. 

Advertisment

Race Result - Prague Yearlings Selling Now Mdn Plate 1100m

Randwick-Kensington Track: Good(4) Time: 1:02.52
1
Chateau Miraval
- 2f Zousain (AUS) x Sheila's Star (AUS) (Snitzel (AUS))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: Tim Clark 55
2
0.1
Growing Empire
- 2c Zoustar (AUS) x Miles Of Krishan (AUS) (Snitzel (AUS))
Tnr: C Maher Rdr: J R Collett 57
Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale $850,000
Seller: Vinery Stud, Scone
Buyer: Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock (BAFNZ)
3
1.7
President
- 2c I Am Invincible (AUS) x Serene Majesty (AUS) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: Tommy Berry 57
4
3.6
Asteride
- 2f Astern (AUS) x Essie's Pride (AUS) (Murtajill (AUS))
Tnr: R & L Price Rdr: Tyler Schiller 55
5
3.6
Diamond Firetail
- 2f Epaulette (AUS) x Painted Firetail (AUS) (Lonhro (AUS))
Tnr: James Cummings Rdr: Zac Lloyd 55
6
4
Deputize
- 2c Dubious (AUS) x Thisisus (NZ) (High Chaparral (IRE))
Tnr: Annabel Neasham Rdr: Regan Bayliss 57
7
6.4
Elegant Artist
- 2f Trapeze Artist (AUS) x I Like It Easy (AUS) (Pierro (AUS))
Tnr: G Ryan & S Alexiou Rdr: Dylan Gibbons 55
More Reading...
Expensive Super Seth 3YO Bolts in by Five!
Smart three-year-old Street Artist notched his first victory in impressive style when leading throughout to defeat a strong maiden field over 1000m at Mornington on Friday by nearly five lengths.
Will Macdonald Joins Astute Bloodstock
Astute Bloodstock is delighted to announce the expansion of our team as we continue to meet increasing client demand and pursue our Group 1 ambitions.
One to Watch – Wyong
The John O’Shea and Tom Charton stable have been running hot into spring and unleashed a talented Wootton Bassett (GB) colt at Wyong on Friday that bolted in to win by nearly five lengths.
Justify Mare Wins $250,000 Wyong Mona Lisa Stakes
A big field of 14 mares went around in the $250,000 Listed Mona Lisa Stakes (1350m) at Wyong on Friday and the race produced a thrilling finish with less than two lengths separating  the first eight over the line with Just Feelin’ Lucky taking the prize.
$1.65million Invincible Colt Hostility Resuming on Saturday
Te Akau Racing will hold a strong hand on Proisir Plate Day at Ellerslie on Saturday, particularly in the age group features.
Sires With Winners - Thursday September 4
Here is the full list of 27 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Ole Kirk share headlines strong September (Early) Online Sale
A share in - and mares in foal to - reigning Champion First Season Sire Ole Kirk are joined by a bevy of quality racing and breeding stock in the Inglis Digital September (Early) Online Sale, which is now open for bidding.
Kiwi Melbourne Cup Contender Kicks off at The Valley
Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) hopeful Mark Twain has landed in Melbourne and will commence his path towards the iconic feature at The Valley on Saturday.
Mitchell McKenzie Colts Showcase
All eyes will be on the $175,000 Listed MVRC Mitchell McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday with an intriguing field of nine colts and geldings all vying for that all important first stakes win.
Breeding To Win – 2025 G1 AJ Moir Stakes
The Valley blasts into spring G1 action with the running of the $750,000 AJ Moir Stakes WFA at 1000m, and it's always an exciting spectacle when a full field of flyers are going full bore on the turning track!