She’s the Iron Lady of Australian racing and Pride of Dubai’s brilliant sprinter Bella Nipotina again showed her special brand of speed and tenacity to win the $20million Group I ATC The Everest at Randwick on Saturday in front of a sell out crowd.
One of three runners in the race for Ciaron Maher, Bella Nipotina drew the worst barrier of the trio coming up with gate 12, but her regular partner Craig Williams took luck out of the equation and went forward on the spritely seven year-old to stalk the two three year-old colts Storm Boy and Growing Empire.
The old girl laid it down to the colts with a furlong to run and then held off Giga Kick in a thriller to win by half a head with Growing Empire a brave third.
“You know, we thought she was in career best form and she got her conditions to suit. We said at the barrier draw, she s got an uncanny knack of running very well from any gate,” said Ciaron Maher.
"Wide, inside, doesn' t matter. And yes, Craig, beautiful ride. You know, to have the balls to do that.
"I can't thank my team enough. She trains up on the beach and she's been at Bong Bong the last two weeks and just the whole team, it's unbelievable.
Bella Nipotina has raced in every state of Australia in the past two years.
“She's a bit like me. She doesn't like to miss out on a carnival. So, no, no, she's a beautiful horse to train. And Michael Christensen and Tim Porter and his brothers and family, you know, what a thrill for them,” said Maher.
"She's been elite for like five years. Ot' s unbelievable."
Craig Williams has been the regular partner for Bella Nipotina in many of these races and the two have forged a great partnership.
"I couldn't do it without the performance of Bella. We drew 12, we were hoping for more rain, but the track was to her liking and basically the plan was, Ciaron said, let's just trust her,” said Williams.
"We might be a bit wide, but let's not be negative, let's be positive and let's go forward.
"I'm very lucky I really know her. And going to the gates today, I said to Ciaron, she was just moving so well for her. Before I even gave her a pat and a cuddle, then she really takes off."
An $80,000 Inglis Premier purchase for Lindsay Park Racing / Andrew Williams Bloodstock / Mt Hallowell Stud from the Rosemont stud draft, Bella Nipotina was bred by Michael Christian and partners at Longwood Thoroughbred Farm and they retain a share in her ownership.
Now a four time Group I winner, Bella Nipotina has the impressive record of 10 wins and 25 placings from 55 starts with earnings topping $18.8million.
Bella Nipotina is the best of two winners from Bella Orfana, a placed sibling by Star Witness to Group winners Hallowell Belle and Fuddle Dee Duddle (dam of Group III winner Brereton) from the family of Group I Caulfield Guineas winner In Top Swing.
Longwood Thoroughbred Farm sadly lost Bella Orfana earlier this year and her last foal is a yearling filly by Trapeze Artist.
Standing at Coolmore at a fee of $22,000, Pride of Dubai has sired three Group I winners this season with Bella Nipotina joining Pride of Jenni and Deny Knowledge (IRE).
