Stakes Next for Talented Epaulette Colt

Media Release - Thursday February 1
Gallagher delivered a pleasant first-up surprise at Pukekohe for part-owner and trainer Jacob McKay.

The juvenile finished runner-up behind the highly-regarded Valalie on debut after an interrupted preparation.

"He had to have a week in the paddock with a bit of a snotty nose, he was only really half ready," McKay said.

"I expected him to blow out the last 200m so it was a really good run and he was beaten by a smart one."

Epaulette is the sire of GallagherMcKay said Gallagher had progressed well and he was bullish about the youngster's chances in Saturday's Gr.3 Phoenix Park 2YO Classic (1200m) at New Plymouth.

"It's obviously a quick back-up, but he pulled up so well and the Matamata Slipper is his main aim and if he went straight there it would be a month between races.

"He's definitely improved with his last run, he's just thriving. He's still a colt as well so some black type will increase his value."

A $45,000 Karaka purchase for McKay, the son of Epaulette has impressed from day one.

"I've been rapt with him, I really think a lot of him," McKay said. "He shows a lot of natural ability and he's going to make a very nice three-year-old as well.

"He's a very genuine colt and he's never put a foot wrong."

Gallagher will be accompanied south by Danger Dee, who will contest The Metrotel Handicap (1300m).

"I had to scratch him last week after he kicked himself in the box, but he's come right," McKay said.
"He strung a few nice races together before nothing went right for him at Ellerslie on Boxing Day." – NZ Racing Desk.


Advertisment
More Reading...
Irish Group Three Winner for Epaulette
A dual Group III winning daughter of Pivotal, Enticing teamed up with Fastnet Rock to produce the dual Group 1 Prix de la Foret winner One Master who ran an excellent second on Saturday in the Group 1 British Champions Sprint at Ascot and now Enticing’s unraced daughter Compostela has struck gold in Ireland with her first foal by Epaulette.
2025 G1 The Metropolitan Field and Barrier Draw
Chris Waller and Ciaron Maher are set to have half of the Group I Metropolitan field between them with the Waller trained Birdman an easing favourite after drawing a wide gate for Saturday’s race.
Epaulette Filly Aryaaf Blows Them Away in Ottawa Stakes
Seven years ago Shadwell Stud’s two-year-old Shamardal (USA) filly Bulbula won the Listed Merson Cooper Stakes for trainer David Hayes and did not win another race in 13 starts, so the same connections will be hoping that Bulbula’s daughter Aryaaf can build on her hugely impressive debut in the Group III Darley Ottawa Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day.
Kiwi Raider Pier Upbeat Ahead of Epsom
Co-trainer and part-owner Darryn Weatherley is taking a glass half full approach ahead of Saturday’s Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) after he came up with an awkward wide gate for Pier.
Youngsters Impress Leading into Magic Millions Horses in Training Sale
The build up to the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Horses in Training Sale has intensified with a swag of impressive breeze up performances over the past week.
Epaulette's Mr Cashman Makes Winning Debut at Moonee Valley
Darley Stud’s Epaulette can sure get a runner and you don’t have to pay a million dollars for them, which makes him very attractive for syndicators like Prime Thoroughbreds Joe O’Neil.
2025 G1 Epsom Handicap Field and Barrier Draw
The field and barrier draw has been decided for the Group I Epsom Handicap on Saturday with odds-on favourite and unbeaten mare Autumn Glow drawing the extreme outside gate in a field of 14.
First win for Tassie MM Sale-Topper
The top priced offering at the 2018 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale was a lovely colt by Epaulette that fetched $100,000 and he opened his account with a stylish win at Cranbourne on Wednesday.
Karaka Million Dreaming for Out of the Blue
Te Akau Racing marketing manager Julia-Rose Hayes has had plenty of success syndicating horses selected by her father, David Ellis, and that has continued with her latest syndicate.
Equimillion This Long Weekend – Draws and Start Lists
Racing NSW have their annual Equimillion event coming up this long weekend at Sydney International Equestrian Centre at Horsley Park and for people interested in off the trackers it’s a showcase for the sport, so let’s take a look at who’s who in the zoo.