Sixth Newcastle Cup Winner for Chris Waller as Etna Rosso Opens his Stakes Account

Mark Smith - Friday September 20

After being disappointing as a confidently supported favourite in the Listed Wyong Cup, Etna Rosso (IRL) redeemed himself when again carrying the support of punters in Wednesday's $300,000 Group III Sharp Office Newcastle Gold Cup (2300m).

Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy for Chris Waller, Etna Rosso (IRL) looked to be flat-footed when Wyclif (GB) swept past before climbing off the canvas to win running away by a length.

The 5-year-old son of Decorated Knight (GB) defeated Wyclif (Archipenko) with Sir Lucan IRE) (Camelot) a length back in third.

With his third win in Australia, the former Joseph O'Brien-trained gelding advances his record to four wins, a second, and a third from 12 starts with earnings of $362,231.

"It was good to see him bounce back as we expected a bit more at Wyong," McEvoy said.

"We were confident that Newcastle, being a bigger circuit, would be more to his liking.

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"He was bright in himself, I knew he was feeling good, which showed in his performance.

"I was worried because Wyclif (GB) put a step on me, but he got the better of that horse in the last 100m and was strong through the line. Onwards and Upwards."

Etna Rosso (IRL) was a €40,000 purchase for Kevin Ross Bloodstock when offered by Clonsast Stud at the 2021 Goffs Autumn Yearling Sale.

A half-brother to stakes-placed Improvised (Raven's Pass), Etna Rosso (IRL) is out of the unraced Sea The Stars mare Kirouna (FR), a half-sister to stakes-winner Invite (The Gurkha) out of the stakes-winner Katiyra (Peintre Celebre), who placed in the Epsom Oaks and Prix de l'Opéra.

Etna Rosso (IRL) is the first stakes-winner for Longford House Stud's triple Group 1 winning Galileo stallion Decorated Knight (GB).

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Race Result - Sharp Office Newcastle Gold Cup Gr3 2300m

Newcastle Track: Good(4) Time: 2:24.06
1
Etna Rosso
- 5g Decorated Knight (GB) x Kirouna (FR) (Sea The Stars (IRE))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: K Mc Evoy 54
2
0.9
Wyclif
- 8g Archipenko (USA) x Altruiste (GB) (Montjeu (IRE))
Tnr: C Maher Rdr: J R Collett 54
Inglis February (Late) Online Sale $47,500
Seller: Owners
Buyer: Summers Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd
3
1.9
Sir Lucan
- 7g Camelot (GB) x Sparrow (IRE) (Oasis Dream (GB))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: A Hyeronimus 58.5
4
3.5
Luncies
- 8g Iffraaj (GB) x Under The Rainbow (GB) (Fantastic Light (USA))
Tnr: K A Lees Rdr: J Parr 58.5
5
4.7
Canberra Legend
- 5g Australia (GB) x Rocana (GB) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: Tommy Berry 54.5
6
4.9
Touristic
- 6g Frankel (GB) x Heuristique (IRE) (Shamardal (USA))
Tnr: Peter Snowden Rdr: Regan Bayliss 56
7
6.5
Redstone Well
- 6g Cotai Glory (GB) x Pingin Rua (IRE) (Papal Bull (GB))
Tnr: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald Rdr: Tom Sherry 57
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