The Randwick Mile has been the home to many of the stable’s finest moments and that was no different on Saturday as Kirwan’s Lane and Lion’s Roar gave the John O’Shea team an historic quinella in the time-honoured $2m Group 2 The Ingham (formerly the Villiers Stakes). The eleventh win of stable favourite Kirwan’s Lane followed 2 hours after promising Star Turn filly Saltaire landed the stable’s second victory in the $500,000 Inglis Millenium to cap a day to remember for the stable and many owners.
A four-pronged attack was taken into the race with imported pair Diamil and Berdibek acquitting themselves with pride given the way their races panned out, however it was the Kiwi-bred pair that fought out the finish after being given inch perfect rides by Brenton Avdulla and Ben Coen respectively. Kirwan’s Lane now has a golden ticket into next year’s Group 1 Doncaster Handicap over the same course and distance.
It was a welcome return to form for Lion’s Roar third up from a long-term injury lay off that should see him right in the finish wherever he steps out next.
Congratulations to the owners of Kirwan’s Lane: Finemore Thoroughbreds, Mrs R M Finemore, Mr D J Mullally, Mrs I O’Shea, Mr M W Finemore, Mr R A Aboud, Mr P Ryan, Mr A Smyth.
The stable’s second feature winner of the day was aided by a textbook Kerrin McEvoy ride to ride in behind a hot speed before out-toughing her opponents in the straight. A compact daughter of Star Turn, Saltaire was purchased from the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale earlier in the year and gave her owners an instant return on her $140,000 purchase price. The $500,000 Listed feature has been won by the likes of She Will Reign, Extreme Choice and Wild Ruler, with the filly’s likely next assignment the $2m Inglis Millenium in the Autumn.
Congratulations to her owners: Whitby Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Werrett Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Mr J B Lochtenberg, Mr D D Macpherson, Mrs C Lochtenberg, Mr P J Hatton.
