What an incredible performance by Regal Zeus!

It’s hard to put into words just how proud we are of this remarkable horse and the team behind him.

Today, he faced his toughest competition yet, lining up against accomplished, open-age stars who have made their marks on the big stage.

Racing against this group of accomplished Stakes horses, including three top contenders entered for the $10 million Golden Eagle, was a mountain of a challenge.

True to his resilient nature, Regal Zeus rose to the occasion with poise and determination.

Breaking well from the gate, he was immediately under pressure with horses like Flash Flood, Pounding, Magna Spin, and Run Harry Run all competing fiercely for the lead.

Despite the unrelenting pace, with Run Harry Run constantly pressing him, Regal Zeus held his ground, fighting to maintain the lead.

Once he established a strong rhythm, he began to show his class, outlasting the intensity of the early pace.

Approaching the turn, it became clear he had the staying power to see this race through.

Whilst Run Harry Run started to fade, Regal Zeus surged forward, seizing the moment.

In the last 150 meters, he opened up a commanding two-length gap, with a determined Group 2 Vase winner and Group 1 Victoria Derby runner-up attempting to close from behind.

But Regal Zeus held strong, finishing in style and proving too tough to catch.

This victory underscores Regal Zeus’s position as a serious contender and a racehorse with undeniable talent.

A huge credit goes to John McArdle for his tremendous training performance, guiding Regal Zeus to peak performance consistently over the past three months.

Horses are finely-tuned athletes, and maintaining this level of performance speaks volumes about John’s expertise as well as the exceptional quality and grit of Regal Zeus.

Also deserving praise is D. Stackhouse, whose remarkable connection with Regal Zeus was on full display.

His seamless affinity with the horse is clear, and it was evident that this win meant a lot to him as they crossed the line together.

After such an outstanding effort, I’ll be speaking with John about giving Regal Zeus the well-earned break he deserves.

Congratulations once again on a truly impressive win!!

You can watch Regal Zeus’s Vobis Gold Premier win here

What a thrilling win for Regal Zeus on Underwood Stakes day!

As tipsters and commentators hyped up the undefeated Federer, it seemed like the race was already decided.

But just like in the Geelong meeting when Fretta (GB) was declared unbeatable, no one told Regal Zeus.

Zeus, with his typical grit, jumped to the front, and the race was on. Le Zebra, perhaps recalling their last clash, wisely stayed out of his way.

Piaggio tried to challenge early but faded after just 200 meters, leaving Regal Zeus to dictate the race.

Zeus found his rhythm upfront, keeping a strong, steady tempo as the field struggled to match his pace.

Turning into the final stretch, Stackhouse had plenty of horse beneath him, while Federer—once considered the one to beat—began to crack under the pressure.

Nails Murphy loomed large, hoping to replicate his last performance against Regal Zeus, but our champion was just too tough, powering home with an unmatchable determination.

We couldn’t be prouder of Regal Zeus. He’s as tough as they come, improving with every race and proving his class once again.

A big thank you to John and the team for keeping Zeus in top form and to D. Stackhouse for yet another perfectly executed ride.

The future looks bright for our star!

Regal Zeus race replay

What a sensational performance from Regal Zeus today!

From start to finish, Regal Zeus was in a league of his own.

With the race conditions favouring a front-runner and minimal pace up front, it was the perfect chance for Regal Zeus to seize control—and that’s precisely what he did.

Breaking from the gate with confidence, Regal Zeus took the lead with ease and never looked back.

His dominance was evident as he crossed the finish line with a commanding presence.

This victory is a testament to Regal Zeus’s exceptional quality and promise.

While today’s win highlights his impressive abilities, we recognize that there’s still room for growth. Both mentally and physically, he is maturing, and as a progeny of Zoustar, we are excited about the potential that lies ahead.

Today’s result is a tremendous boost for our team and for Regal Zeus.

A special shout-out to jockey D. Stackhouse for his impeccable ride, managing Regal Zeus with precision and leaving no room for rivals.

A heartfelt thank you to John and the entire support team for their dedication and hard work behind the scenes.

This victory reflects our collective effort and signifies a bright future for Regal Zeus.

Here’s to many more spectacular wins to come!

Regal Zeus race replay

Isn’t it great when a plan comes together!

What a sight Brave Star gave today!

We’ve had to be patient, but now we’re starting to see just how talented this galloper is.

Brave Star did not disappoint.

He beat a very good horse today, one that was full of confidence and going for a fifth straight win.

If you listen carefully as they cross the line, you can hear a big groan from the crowd, shocked by how Brave Star stormed home to beat the runaway $1.50 favorite, which had a four-length lead and was cruising with only 300m to go.

Huge credit goes to Lachlan.

He rode Brave Star to perfection, breaking well and sitting just a length or two from the lead at the turn.

He then veered him out, balanced him in the straight, and improvised to get Brave Star focused on chasing down the favorite, even when he was out alone in no man’s land halfway up the straight.

A most thrilling and exciting win!

Huge thanks to the Stokes team for the amazing job they have done with our horse!

There are plenty more wins to come.

Brave Star’s full race replay

Today marked a thrilling and unforgettable debut for Milo in the Sandown Lodge Maiden race, and for his owners, they have every reason to celebrate.

From the moment Milo opened at $2.25, the buzz around him was palpable, quickly becoming the crowd favourite with odds plummeting to $1.40 as he captured the lion’s share of the bets.

The anticipation was sky-high for our Deep Field gelding, who had already hinted at his immense potential with a string of impressive jump outs, securing a win and two second-place finishes.

Milo’s preparation was meticulous, and it showed.

With the seasoned Luke Nolan in the saddle, Milo looked every bit the racehorse we hoped he would be.

Racing on his home track, and equipped with blinkers to sharpen his focus, Milo’s readiness was unmistakable.

Positioned comfortably in fourth place for most of the race, he waited for the perfect moment to strike.

And strike he did!

In a breathtaking display of power and precision, Milo surged forward in the final stretch, clinching a dominant victory by a clear two lengths.

The competition was fierce, with First Blessing and Big Cat presenting formidable challenges.

First Blessing, coming off a recent tie-forward surgery and lightly raced, showed potential but couldn’t match Milo’s raw power and determination today.

Big Cat, consistent and reliable, rounded out the top three but was left trailing in Milo’s wake.

Aquilan Girl, who initially set the pace, gave a valiant effort and finished second, underscoring her own progress over the 1200 meters.

Trainer Philip Stokes couldn’t hide his satisfaction with Milo’s debut performance.

He spoke highly of Milo’s progressive improvement with each jump out and was particularly pleased with how the gelding handled the race day pressure.

The decision to use blinkers paid off handsomely, and Milo’s potential on firm tracks, especially on synthetic surfaces where he has shown a natural aptitude, looks incredibly promising.

Today was just the beginning, and it’s clear that Milo has a bright and exhilarating future ahead.

Watch Milo’s Debut run

Congratulations to everyone involved—this is just the start of a remarkable journey with our smart gelding!

While any good horse can win when conditions are favorable, it takes a truly smart one to triumph when the odds are against him.

Brave Star is all guts.

He had a slow start and was on the back foot for the first three-quarters of the race, squeezed between runners with little room to maneuver.

As the field approached the final turn at 450m, Brave Star began to lose ground and fell back to almost last place.

It was a concerning moment, but jockey Rochelle showed great patience, holding tight and navigating carefully through the pack.

At the 250m mark, a gap finally opened. Brave Star seized the opportunity, bursting through the small gap that opened alongside favorite Maracourt, whom took a split on the fence.

The two quickly put three lengths on the field, turning the race into a head-to-head battle.

One thing we know about Brave Star is that he is a fighter.

As soon as he locked eyes with his challenger, there was no doubt he would prevail. He surged ahead to win by half a length, capping off a fantastic performance!

Watch the video of Brave’s Star’s great win

The Start of the Race

Brave Star didn’t get off to the best start. Right out of the gate, he found himself lagging behind, a less-than-ideal position for any racehorse. The initial positioning in the pack wasn’t favorable either, as he was squeezed between other runners with minimal room to maneuver.

Early Challenges

The early part of the race saw Brave Star struggling to find his rhythm. Squeezed tightly between runners, he had little room to maneuver, making it difficult to gain any momentum. This lack of space can be a significant handicap, even for the most seasoned of horses.

Approaching the Final Turn

As the field approached the final turn at the 450m mark, things went from bad to worse for Brave Star. He began to lose ground, slipping back to almost last place. For many in the audience, it was a concerning moment. Could Brave Star turn it around?

Jockey Rochelle’s Strategy

Despite the concerning position, jockey Rochelle showed remarkable patience. Rather than pushing recklessly forward, she held tight, carefully navigating through the pack. Her strategy was clear: wait for the right moment. This patience would prove crucial.

The Opening at 250m Mark

At the 250m mark, the moment of opportunity arrived. A gap finally opened up, presenting a narrow window for Brave Star. Without hesitation, he seized the chance. His quick reaction to this small opening was a testament to his agility and readiness.

The Head-to-Head Battle

Once through the gap, Brave Star found himself alongside the favorite, Maracourt. The two horses quickly put three lengths on the rest of the field, turning the race into a head-to-head battle. It was a thrilling sight, watching the two competitors vying for the lead.

Brave Star’s Fighting Spirit

One thing that sets Brave Star apart is his fighting spirit. As soon as he locked eyes with Maracourt, it was clear he was in it to win it. This competitive edge, this refusal to back down, made all the difference in the final stretch.

The Final Surge

With just meters to go, Brave Star surged ahead. The power and determination he displayed were awe-inspiring. He managed to pull ahead by half a length, securing a fantastic victory. It was a win that showcased not just his physical abilities but his indomitable spirit.

Significance of the Victory

This victory marked Brave Star’s fifth win, a milestone that speaks volumes about his capabilities. Winning under such challenging conditions demonstrated his class and grit. It’s not just about physical strength; it’s about heart, strategy, and determination.

Lessons from the Race

There are several lessons to be learned from Brave Star’s performance. Firstly, patience is vital. Rushing forward without a plan can lead to failure. Secondly, it’s crucial to seize opportunities as soon as they appear. Finally, never underestimate the power of determination and fighting spirit.

Jockey Rochelle’s Role

Jockey Rochelle’s role in this victory cannot be overstated. Her expert navigation and decision-making were key factors. She knew when to hold back and when to push forward, and her patience in waiting for the right moment was crucial to their success.

Impact on Brave Star’s Career

This win undoubtedly strengthens Brave Star’s reputation. Each victory adds to his legacy, and this one, in particular, highlights his ability to overcome adversity. It sets a promising tone for his future races and cements his status as a horse to watch.

Conclusion

His determination, coupled with Rochelle’s strategic riding, turned what could have been a disappointing race into a memorable victory.

Brave Star’s journey reminds us that with heart, strategy, and the will to fight, we can overcome even the toughest challenges.

FAQs

1. How did Brave Star manage to win despite the slow start?
Brave Star’s victory was due to a combination of his fighting spirit, quick reaction to opportunities, and the expert navigation by jockey Rochelle.

2. What role did jockey Rochelle play in the victory?
Jockey Rochelle was crucial in the win, showing great patience and making strategic decisions that allowed Brave Star to seize the right moment.

3. How significant is this win for Brave Star’s career?
This fifth win is a significant milestone, reinforcing Brave Star’s reputation and highlighting his ability to overcome adversity.

4. What can other racers learn from Brave Star’s performance?
Other racers can learn the importance of patience, strategic thinking, and the power of determination from Brave Star’s performance.

 5. How did the audience react to the race?
The audience was thrilled, with cheers erupting as Brave Star crossed the finish line, celebrating a well-deserved victory.