Medaglia d'Oro's Pohutukawa Opens Stakes Account

Mark Smith - Tuesday November 6

Coming off a hugely impressive win when making her seasonal debut at Warwick Farm on October 24, Godolphin's progressive Medaglia d'Oro filly Pohutukawa staged a stunning last to first performance in the Listed Jim Beam Black Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day.

With William Buick in the saddle, the James-Cummings-trained 3yo was dawdling back in the field with all of her 14 opponents in front of her as the field turned into the home straight.

Advertisement

Switched to the centre of the track by Buick, Pohutukawa picked off one runner after another down the long Flemington straight to defeat Madam Rouge (Zoustar) by one and a quarter lengths with Into The Abyss (Foxwedge) a long-head back in third. (photo Grant Courtney )


"She's a beautiful Medaglia d'Oro filly and she's progressed nicely for us.

"It was a barnstorming win against the older mares at Warwick Farm and I really liked that coming back to 3yo fillies in a Listed race today.

"William had to be patient from the barrier and not risk being wide. "She chimed in like a really good filly with big strides and I think she has a really nice future."

Pohutukawa is the first winner for the Redoute's Choice mare Lumina who was the first foal bred by Darley after the purchase of her dam Chiara from the late Ken Turner.

Chiara had been a grand producer for Turner, leaving the multiple Group II winner Chinchilla Rose, Group II Ascot Vale Stakes winner Ferocity and Group III winner Leone Chiara the dam of Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes and Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner and successful sire Star Witness and the multiple Group III winner Nostradamus.

Chiara kept up the good work for Darley by producing the Listed ATC Darby Munro Stakes winner Chiaramonte who is a full-brother to Lumina.

After producing a full-sister to Pohutukawa last spring, Lumina foaled a filly by Teofilo (IRE) on September 19.

Pohutukawa becomes the 117th stakes-winner for Medaglia d'Oro (USA) whose eight years shuttling to Australia came to an end this year.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Cambridge Stud Mare Primed for Return
Patience has been a key factor in the rise of Jaarffi to the elite level and she’s in good order to open her six-year-old campaign at Rotorua.
Hot Lots Day 3 - Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1
The Tattersalls October Yearling Sale third and final session kicks off tonight our time and for those interested in the number one yearling sale in Europe we are taking a look at some of the yearlings tipped to top each day.
Metro Winner Adds to Yes Yes Yes Spring Surge
October is shaping as a great month for Gooree Stud’s new addition Yes Yes Yes with the 2019 Everest hero reeling off four winners in the past week including Maybe Moet, who saluted at Randwick on Wednesday.
Aussie Bred Wins HK Classic Mile
The $HK10million Hong Kong Classic Mile at Sha Tin on Monday was won in commanding style by exciting prospect Golden Sixty, an Aussie bred Medaglia D’Oro (USA) gelding, whose half-brother Quiet Riot was also a winner at Warwick Farm earlier in the day.
RAM Racing Join Forces with Newgate and GPI Racing for Everest
Western Australia’s RAM Racing have joined forces with Newgate and GPI Racing in their 2025 TAB Everest slot, reuniting with Group 1-winning sprinter Overpass and are set to bring a wave of loyal supporters from the west.
Best On Breeding
We are down to the final Group 1 race of the season, Saturday’s $500,000 Group 1 Tatt’s Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm, and for many the final race of their careers before embarking on a new career in the broodmare barn.
One to Watch – Bendigo
Medaglia D’Oro (USA) has provided some smart two year-old winners this season for Godolphin including Group II winning filly Tenley, who is closely related to this winner at Bendigo on Friday.
Andy Caps positive week for Alwyn Park
Alwyn Park Stud owner John Andrew has received a positive post-script to Magnificent Andy’s victory in the inaugural $1 million Golden Saddle (1200m) at Kalgoorlie on Saturday.
Yulong Purchase into Enriched - Inglis October (Early) Sale
Three individual shares in the G2-winning entire Enriched sold for a combined $440,000 in a highly successful Inglis Digital October (Early) Online Sale today.
First Magic 2YO Winner for Te Akau
David Ellis and Te Akau Racing spent over $5million on 17 yearlings at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale earlier this year and they unleashed their first winner from the group at Avondale on Wednesday.