マーク・トエインが、見たのは、多彩で長い歴史を誇るオーストラリアの競馬の一瞬でしかありませんでしたが、あれから、オーストラリアの競馬は、国の主要産業となり、さらに人々の情熱を掻き立てる娯楽となっています。オーストラアリアの競馬は多くの詩人に謳われ、皇室がパトロンとなり、国家の伝統として高く評価をされ続けてきました。、
The youngest brother in one of the nation’s most famous racing families, Michael Freedman is off to a flying start with Henry The Createth opening the trainer’s Australian account by winning at a wild and woolly Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
A leading trainer in Singapore for the past eight years, Freedman only put up his shingle at Rosehill in March and Henry The Createth is doing his best to shine a spotlight on the stable.
Debuting at Wyong last month, Henry The Createth won his 2YO Maiden impressively and remains unbeaten after his effort over the 1200m last Saturday.
“I was surprised at just how well he (Henry The Createth) had let down before his run at Wyong and, while I had reservations about the (heavy 10) track at Rosehill, I thought it was a very good win,” Freedman points out. “It was certainly nice to get that first city winner away.”
And what about the transition from Singapore to Sydney?: “It’s certainly very different. Singapore is a much more closed environment whereas here in Australia it’s very competitive. There’s a lot of trainers – very good trainers – and to win a race anywhere is tough over here.
“I’ve got 55 on the books but about 35 to 40 of those are yearlings. I’ve only got around eight or 10 that are either fully or semi-race fit, but there’s definitely a lot to look forward to.”
Freedman selected Henry The Createth from last year’s Gold Coast Magic Millions National Yearling Sale, snapping up the Henrythenavigator colt for $30,000 and already doubling that with Saturday’s result.
The timing of the Rosehill win won’t be lost on trainers and buyers at the Gold Coast this week with the 2016 National Yearling Sale kicking off tomorrow and including, among its 463-strong catalogue, a three quarter sister (by Husson) to Henry The Createth.
On offer from breeders Element Hill, the filly from dual Melbourne stakes winner, Creative Plan, will enter the ring as Lot 1728 and, apart from the Henry The Createth connection, she is closely related to Hong Kong champ, Jeune King Prawn.
What’s more, the half brother to Henry The Createth – a Tale of the Cat 4YO called Deja Vu – won in Hong Kong on Sunday night, his second win in succession for trainer Almond Lee.
“Henry The Createth’s win, and that of Deja Vu, is not only a great advertisement for the sale in terms of timing, but it also highlights the depth of quality available at the National,” Magic Millions’ managing director, Vin Cox, believes. “Aside from this being the last chance for horses to become eligible for the $10 million sales series in 2017, the date of the sale also allows more mature types to be presented.
“There’s a lot of very good horses that have emerged from the National. Rocket Man in Singapore, (Victoria Derby winner) Tarzino, Golden Slipper winners, Guineas, Derbies, Oaks …
“Probably the best example though is Princess Coup – she was sold at the National Yearling Sale for $260,000 before going on to win over $3.8 million on the track and four Group Ones. She was then put back through the Gold Coast ring (2009 National Broodmare Sale) and sold for $3 million, the highest priced mare until Listen Here ($3.4 million) broke the record last week when sold to China Horse Club and Bruce Perry Bloodstock.
“It might be called the National, but this sale definitely has international appeal.”
