Fawkner Park from Last to First in Wagga Wagga Gold Cup

Mark Smith - Friday May 3

An ice-cold ride by Tyler Schiller saw the favourite Fawkner Park (IRE) come from last to land Friday's $200,000 Listed Lucas Road Sealing 2024 Wagga Wagga Gold Cup (2000m).

In similar fashion to his last start win in the Listed Albury Cup, the Annabel Neasham-trained son of Zoffany (IRE) came with a barnstorming finish to defeat the brave So You Think gelding Political Debate by three-quarters of a length with the Dansili gelding Taramansour back in third.

The Bennett Racing colour-bearer advances his record to seven wins, a second and third from 15 starts with earnings of $501,702.

Fawkner Park (IRE) (image Racing Photos)

Brought up in Young, Tyler Schiller said winning before his family and friends was a thrill.

"I have won the Albury Cup twice, but to win the big one closer to home is unreal," Schiller said.

"Mom was here today with my girlfriend and a couple of friends, so it's great to get the cup.

"Annabel wanted me to be a touch closer than I was, but he does not have a lot of speed nowadays, and I don't think it hinders him. He loves getting back and using his finish.

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"I was a bit worried coming around the bend; we were a bit far off them, so I put him in the race at the 600m. He is so brave. He was all out at the 100m but found a half-head to get past Tommy, which felt good."

Fawkner Park a 120,000gns purchase at 2022 Autumn Horses In Training Sale,

A €46,000 Goffs Orby purchase for Joseph O'Brien, Fawkner Park (IRL) made three starts in Ireland, the last of which was a six-and-a-half length win over the Galileo x Atlantic Jewel colt Fleet Commander in a 10-furlong maiden win at Dundalk.

Consigned to the 2022 Autumn Horses In Training Sale, Fawkner Park (IRL) was knocked down to Blandford Bloodstock / Bennett / Annabel Neasham Racing had the final say at 120,000gns.

Fawkner Park (IRL) is a half-brother to Saracen Knight (IRE) (Camelot), who enjoyed success in Australia in the Group II Herbert Power Stakes and Listed RM Ansett Classic.

His dam Za'Hara (Raven's Pass) is a half-sister to Gr1 Arlington Million Stakes winner Debussy (Diesis), Group III Princess Elizabeth Stakes winner Laugh Aloud (Dubawi), and the stakes-placegetters Celtic Prince (Shamardal), Cantilena (Dubawi), and Entertainment (Halling).

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Race Result - Lucas Road Sealing 2024 Wagga Wagga Gold Cup LR 2000m

Wagga Track: Good(4) Time: 2:00.51
1
Fawkner Park
- 5g Zoffany (IRE) x Za'hara (IRE) (Raven's Pass (USA))
Tnr: Annabel Neasham Rdr: Tyler Schiller 55.5
2
0.9
Political Debate
- 4g So You Think (NZ) x Nakataan (NZ) (Zabeel (NZ))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: Tommy Berry 55
So You Think
3
1.2
Taramansour
- 7g Dansili (GB) x Tanoura (IRE) (Dalakhani (IRE))
Tnr: P Stokes Rdr: B Mc Dougall 54
4
1.3
Spirit Ridge
- 9g Nathaniel (IRE) x Tates Creek (USA) (Rahy (USA))
Tnr: Annabel Neasham Rdr: Regan Bayliss 58.5
5
1.7
Knights Order
- 9g So You Think (NZ) x Lamanka Lass (USA) (Woodman (USA))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: Rachel King 60.5
6
3.2
Cliff House
- 5g Starcraft (NZ) x Wild Mia (USA) (Wildcat Heir (USA))
Tnr: T P Donnelly Rdr: D R Beasley 54
7
5.1
Marsabit
- 6g Mehmas (IRE) x Masela (IRE) (Medicean (GB))
Tnr: D A Williams Rdr: Q Krogh 54
8
5.2
King Frankel
- 6g Frankel (GB) x You'll Be Mine (USA) (Kingmambo (USA))
Tnr: Annabel Neasham Rdr: Zac Lloyd 57
9
7
Makram
- 7g Make Believe (GB) x Spontaneous (IRE) (Sinndar (IRE))
Tnr: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes Rdr: A B Collett 56.5
10
12.6
Renaissance Woman
- 4m Reliable Man (GB) x Mrs Kennedy (AUS) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: Bjorn Baker Rdr: J Parr 57
11
15
Zouatica
- 4g Zoustar (AUS) x Axiomatic (AUS) (O'reilly (NZ))
Tnr: B Joseph & P & M Jones Rdr: Ms K Nisbet 54
12
15.1
One Aye
- 6m Super One (AUS) x Flying First Class (AUS) (Flying Spur (AUS))
Tnr: B Joseph & P & M Jones Rdr: Jack Martin 54.5
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