20th SW for Proisir

Media Release - Saturday November 30

Promising stayer Whangaehu claimed his biggest success when came with a bullocking late run to take out the Listed Steelform Roofing Group Wanganui Cup (2040m) on Saturday.

Whangaehu and jockey Lily Sutherland take out the Wanganui Cup. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North)

The six-year-old son of Proisir has always promised to perform at a higher level and finished off his last campaign with a creditable performance in the Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m) before finding a Heavy10 track too testing when near the rear in the Listed Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m).

Trainer Bill Thurlow lined him up for his season opener at Trentham last month, where he made ground nicely for sixth over 1400m in Rating 75 company before fitting him for the Wanganui feature with a winning 1400m trial at Foxton on 19 November.

Many felt that the preparation may not be suited to a solidly run middle-distance contest, however Thurlow and Whangaehu had the last laugh as rider Lily Sutherland produced an inch-perfect ride to lodge a winning claim in the final 100m as Whangaehu defeated Orlov by a long neck.

Thurlow was quick to praise Sutherland after she rode an impeccable race from an inside barrier.

“It was a very, very good ride and the draw made it for us,” Thurlow said. “She got away, got him right where we wanted him to be and got off (the rail) at just the right time.

“If he had had a worse run, he may have been vulnerable. But he will only improve from here. To do that second-up was a big effort, so we are rapt with him.”

Advertisement

Sutherland was also pleased with how the game plan had played out.

“We wanted to use the gate and not get too far back, but he just travelled along nicely with them,” she said. “We got a perfect run throughout and there is a lot of improvement in him.”

The race proved a triumph for Humphrey and Fiona O’Leary, the owners of Whangaehu, who took out the race for a second consecutive occasion after their classy mare Kelly Coe saluted in 2023.

Whangaehu is the 20th SW for Proisir.

Bred by the couple, Whangaehu is out of their Pins mare Pinot Grieve who won on four occasions and comes from a family that includes quality stayers Thorn Prince, Alinko Prince and My Bentley.

The 20th stakes-winner for Rich Hill Stud's champion sire Proisir, Whangaehu has now won seven of his 30 stars and over $271,000 in prizemoney. - LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment

Race Result - Steelform Roofing Group Wanganui Cup LR 2040m

Wanganui Track: Good(4) Time: 2:05.59
1
Whangaehu
- 6g Proisir (AUS) x Pinot Grieve (NZ) (Pins (AUS))
Tnr: W J Thurlow Rdr: L Sutherland 53
2
0.4
Orlov
- 7g Sweynesse (AUS) x Diamond Cut (NZ) (Guillotine (NZ))
Tnr: D R Haworth Rdr: K R Hercock 53
3
1.2
Testify Me
- 7g Atlante (AUS) x Cherry Bomb (NZ) (Volksraad (GB))
Tnr: Ms J Millar Rdr: Harry Grace 53
4
1.3
The Underbelly
- 6g The Bold One (NZ) x Belles A Gem (AUS) (General Nediym (AUS))
Tnr: Robbie Patterson Rdr: C R Barnes 53
5
1.5
Drop Of Something
- 5g Telperion (AUS) x Nothing Moore (NZ) (Don Eduardo (NZ))
Tnr: W P Hillis Rdr: L T Hemi 53
6
2.5
Trav
- 5g Almanzor (FR) x Royal Sav (NZ) (Savabeel (AUS))
Tnr: R M Connors Rdr: M Singh 53
7
3.5
Aljay
- 7g Rock 'n' Pop (AUS) x Albacora (NZ) (Lord Ballina (AUS))
Tnr: K T Myers Rdr: J K Riddell 60
8
3.9
Colorado Star
- 9g Alamosa (NZ) x Elegant Emerald (AUS) (Unbridled's Song (USA))
Tnr: M P Breslin Rdr: K L Chung 54
9
4
Urenui
- 5g Derryn (AUS) x Genuine Offer (NZ) (Generous (IRE))
Tnr: Ms D M Harris Rdr: N S Parmar 53
10
4.2
Pride Of Aspen
- 6m Pride Of Dubai (AUS) x Flattery (AUS) (Shamardal (USA))
Tnr: Hollie Wynyard Rdr: W F Pinn 53
11
14.2
Nom De Plume
- 6m El Roca (AUS) x Lago De Plume (AUS) (Encosta De Lago (AUS))
Tnr: Robbie Patterson Rdr: M K Hudson 53
More Reading...
Proisir Gelding Wins G3 Trentham Stakes
A remarkable run for owner-breeders Humphrey and Fiona O’Leary kept on rolling at Trentham on Saturday with a last-to-first performance by Whangaehu in the Gr.3 Life Direct Trentham Stakes (2100m).
100th National Yearling Sale to Debut New Format
Karaka 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of the National Yearling Sales in New Zealand, a significant milestone to celebrate.
First Season Highlights – These Guys Made an Impression
The Inglis Australian Weanling Sale gave buyers the opportunity to have a first look at the progeny of a new crop of  first season sires and the big banger of the group duly produced the highest priced baby from this cohort of sires.
One to Watch – Curragh
He’s a Coolmore homebred blueblood, but sired by Darley’s champion stallion Dubawi and Officer opened his stakes account overnight at The Curragh winning the Listed Tetrarch Stakes (1m).
Records Tumble at Huge Australian Weanling Sale
The most successful Inglis Australian Weanling Sale in history concluded at Riverside today with a record individual top price of $775,000 paid for a colt by Too Darn Hot (GB), a record gross and record average.
One to Watch – Kembla
Group I ATC Champagne Stakes winner Nepotism is not the only talented two year-old winner by Brutal this season that was bred and sold by Gilgai Farm.
Westbury Stud Announce 2025 Fees
Westbury Stud is pleased to announce the 2025 service fees for its high performing stallion roster, providing breeders with an accessible source of proven bloodlines at excellent value.
Widden Stud Sell $775,000 Too Darn Hot Colt
Widely tipped as a likely sale-topper at the Inglis Australian Weanling Sale, the Widden Stud consigned Too Darn Hot (GB) colt from Enbihaar did not disappoint when fetching $775,000.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday May 6
Here is the full list of 30 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sires With Winners - Monday May 5
Here is the full list of 20 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.