Bel Esprit’s Belflyer Wins Kosciuszko

Tara Madgwick - Monday October 15

Black Caviar's sire Bel Esprit is back in Victoria this spring for Sun Stud and is riding high thanks to his talented seven year-old Belflyer, who scored a surprise win in the inaugural $1,300,000 Kosciuszko at Randwick last Saturday.

The John Shelton trained gelding has been a tough and consistent campaigner over a number of seasons and was second earlier this year in the Listed Ramornie Handicap at Grafton.

He charged home from back in the field to win the lucrative 1200 metre sprint by half a length taking his overall record to 13 wins from 55 starts with earnings just shy of $1million.

"This is my biggest win by far," Shelton said.

"I've won the Ramornie and several races in town, not enough mind you, but this beats everything.

"I had confidence he would handle the ground and this is great.

"I love this horse. He's a special horse. For Adam (Hyeronimus) to win on him was a really big bonus because he was apprenticed to me and we've remained really true friends."

Belflyer is a half-brother to Champion 3YO Flying Artie and is the next best winner from good producing Group III winner Flying Ruby.

Belflyer was the 30th winner this season for Bel Esprit, who is now running 13th on the Australian General Sires List by earnings.

An 8-time Champion Victorian sire, Bel Esprit is currently the leading sire in the state this season and stands at a fee of $11,000 this spring.

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