Seventh Winner for Zoustar

Mark Smith - Sunday May 20

With his pronounced swayback, the Gary Portelli-trained Ronstar was the subject of more curiosity than admiration when parading prior to his career debut in Saturday's Abercorn Hall of Fame Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens.

But that was reversed when Ronstar fought on courageously under Winona Costin to defeat River Bird (Epaulette) by a short half head with Canyonero (Pierro) one and a half lengths back in third.

Advertisement


The 2yo gelding credited leading first season sire Zoustar with his seventh individual winner.

"He has a massive, effortless stride and he is going to get over further. He is a young horse with potential,'' Portelli told news.com.au.

It provided a welcome change of luck for his breeder and part-owner Ronnie Burns.

"It is great to get this result for Ronnie and the other part-owner, Ron Pulatti as they put a lot of money into the game, Portelli said.

"We saw a raw individual today, a horse with natural ability who should get out to further.

"His mother, Miss Essembee, was a handy sprinter and holds a couple of course records around the bush. She has thrown the speed into Ronstar and hopefully his sire, Zoustar, throws the quality."

Burns had purchased Miss Essembee for $150,000 out of the Baramul Stud draft at the 2007 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

A 5-time winner, the daughter of Flying Spur is a half-sister to the stakes-placed Spinning Boy (Spinning World) and to the Champion Griffin in Hong Kong in 2011, Bear Hero.

Miss Essembee missed to More Than Ready (USA) in 2015 and sli8pped to Nicconi in 2016. She was covered by Hallowed Crown last spring.

Currently almost $900,000 ahead of his nearest pursuer Spirit Of Boom in the race for leading first-crop sire, Zoustar stands at Widden Stud in 2018 for a fee of $60,500 (inc GST).

Advertisment
More Reading...
G1 Older Milers and Stayers- No Wonder Owners Look Overseas
The Australian G1 season has concluded and there were 26 Group I races won by older horses at a distance of 1600m or more and they were won by 17 different horses with Via Sistina (IRE) and Mr Brightside (NZ) the only horses to win G1 races as sprinters (less than 1600m) and also as mile/middle distance/staying horses.
Kiwi Innovator Recognized
Emma Thompson was stepping into the unknown when taking on the role as Programme Lead for the NZB Kiwi, and after executing an outstanding inaugural running in March, she was recognised at Entain’s Industry Excellence Awards.
One to Watch – Ireland
We look at a lot of race results at Breednet and when a three year-old half-sister by Wootton Bassett (GB) to Australia’s champion sire elect of 2025, Zoustar, breaks her maiden that is always going to catch our attention.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday July 1
Here is the full list of 8 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Starlust Retired - Riverstone Lodge Next Stop
Zoustar’s brilliant Group I winning son Starlust (GB) has been retired following his excellent close up fourth in the Group I King Charles Stakes (5f) at Royal Ascot last month.
Istataba adds international flavour to National Online Breeding Stock Sale
Buyers can currently bid on 11 stakes-performed mares in the National Online Breeding Stock Sale on Gavelhouse Plus, including one that brings South American bloodlines and Singaporean racetrack performance.
G1 Older Sprinters- Are Our Sprinters the Best in the World?
The Australian G1 season has concluded and there were 23 Group I races won by older horses at a distance less than 1600m, but one race that fits the category but is yet to be given G1 status is the $10million Golden Eagle (1500m) and form out of it would suggest it was the best of them all.
Levakia Adds to Good Week for Curraghmore
Emerging filly Levakia has given Curraghmore further cause for celebration.
Vale, Joe Yorke
The racing industry has lost one of its more colourful characters with the passing of Joe Yorke on Sunday.
Many Pedigree Paths Lead to Helen Street
Jane Henning of Pedigree Dynamics offers her thoughts on an Irish Oaks winner that has become a remarkable producer and is now emerging as a great candidate for line breeding.