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...
Ole Kirk share headlines strong September (Early) Online Sale
A share in - and mares in foal to - reigning Champion First Season Sire Ole Kirk are joined by a bevy of quality racing and breeding stock in the Inglis Digital September (Early) Online Sale, which is now open for bidding.
Expensive Super Seth 3YO Bolts in by Five!
Smart three-year-old Street Artist notched his first victory in impressive style when leading throughout to defeat a strong maiden field over 1000m at Mornington on Friday by nearly five lengths.
Sires With Winners - Friday September 5
Here is the full list of 41 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Justify Mare Wins $250,000 Wyong Mona Lisa Stakes
A big field of 14 mares went around in the $250,000 Listed Mona Lisa Stakes (1350m) at Wyong on Friday and the race produced a thrilling finish with less than two lengths separating  the first eight over the line with Just Feelin’ Lucky taking the prize.
One to Watch – Wyong
The John O’Shea and Tom Charlton stable have been running hot into spring and unleashed a talented Wootton Bassett (GB) colt at Wyong on Friday that bolted in to win by nearly five lengths.
$1.65million Invincible Colt Hostility Resuming on Saturday
Te Akau Racing will hold a strong hand on Proisir Plate Day at Ellerslie on Saturday, particularly in the age group features.
Aussie Connection with Impressive St Mark’s Basilica Debut Winner
2021 European Horse of the Year St Mark’s Basilica (Fr) is at Coolmore Australia this spring and had an impressive debut winner at Ascot overnight with El Vamos powering clear of her rivals to win as she pleased.
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).
Birdsville Kicks Off with Record Fields on Friday
The 143rd Birdsville Races roared to life today with a burst of trackside colour and red desert dust, as a record crowd of punters converged on the edge of Queensland’s Simpson Desert for the iconic two-day meet.
Breeding To Win – 2025 G1 AJ Moir Stakes
The Valley blasts into spring G1 action with the running of the $750,000 AJ Moir Stakes WFA at 1000m, and it's always an exciting spectacle when a full field of flyers are going full bore on the turning track!