Armidale Stud celebrated a banner day with a quinella in the Listed Elwick Stakes for two-year-olds. The race was headlined by two fillies bred by the Whishaw family and sired by their resident stallions, Needs Further and Alpine Eagle.
The standout performer was Zany Girl, a daughter of Needs Further, who justified her status as the hot favourite. Unbeaten in her two previous career starts, the Stuart Gandy-trained filly displayed her trademark class and determination, storming home to claim victory over fellow Armidale Stud-bred Crack The Shutters.
A highlight of Armidale Stud’s 2024 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale draft, Zany Girl was purchased for $65,000 by Joe O'Neill’s Prime Thoroughbreds. Adding to the thrill of her success, Armidale Stud retains an ownership share in the exciting filly.
Chasing hard in second place was the Alpine Eagle filly Crack The Shutters. Making her debut after an impressive trial win, she delivered a barnstorming performance as she pressed her stablemate to the line.
Racing in Armidale Stud’s iconic green and white silks, Crack The Shutters was retained by the stud and is co-owned with a group of owners who didn’t have to wait long to savour the excitement of black-type success.
"Today’s result means the world to us," said Armidale Stud’s David Whishaw.
"We pour everything into what we do here at Armidale and believe wholeheartedly in the horses we breed. It’s incredibly rewarding to see these fillies up and running so professionally and rise to the occasion on such a big day."
Looking ahead, Armidale Stud will present a Gold Standard half-sister to Zany Girl as Lot 21 at the upcoming Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale. With the Elwick Stakes result bolstering her pedigree, the offering is certain to attract significant interest.
Notably, Needs Further has cemented his influence on the Elwick Stakes, having now sired five of the past nine winners, including Champion 3YO Filly Mystic Journey and Mystical Pursuit.
Zany Girl and Crack The Shutters join a long list of successful Armidale-bred horses in gaining black-type success. Click here to uncover the next Armidale star.
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