Tasmania enjoys boom times in national spotlight

Kemalpasa winning the Durbridge Stakes over 1200m at Morphettville (Photo: AtkinsPhotography.com.au)

“遍寻我所到过的国家,从未有一个节日庆典能够被全民所热爱,能够将全民凝聚在一起。墨尔本杯就是有这种魅力,它使我震惊不已。”

Mainland returns for the Tasmanian thoroughbred industry have never been better across the board thanks to two genuine a bona fide stars of the Australian turf.

Tasmania has had its share of memorable moments in the national spotlight but they have been generational more than anything else.

A top-class horse would emerge from the Apple Isle only for the seasons to invariably pass before the next one came along.

But in Mystic Journey and The Inevitable, Tasmania have two of the country’s highest-profile racehorses who are front and centre in the spring picture as they campaign in Melbourne and Sydney.

Mystic Journey is one of the favourites for the Cox Plate and The Inevitable has staked an undeniable claim to win the inaugural $7.5 million Golden Eagle at Rosehill next month.

The Inevitable made it three wins from as many mainland appearances this season with his success in the $500,000 Silver Eagle at Randwick.

There was also another win of significance for the Tasmanian industry at the weekend when Kemalpasa graduated to stakes grade in Adelaide.

Kemalpasa, a consistent son of Victorian-based sire Magnus, finally lived up to his early promise in winning the Listed Durbridge Stakes over 1200m at Morphettville.

It gave Jenny Watson another black-type result to go with her achievement of breeding Group One winner Palentino.

An award-winning stalwart of the Tasmanian industry, Watson runs her breeding operation with husband Geoff as Macleay Thoroughbreds.

She insists Tasmania’s influence on mainland racing has never been as strong as it is now during her time which includes almost 40 years as a night watch foaling attendant at Armidale Stud.

“We’ve always had a good horse come out of Tasmania going back to Sydeston and more recently Lady Lynette and The Cleaner,” Watson said.

“But at the moment we have three or four making a name for themselves on the mainland and that’s good for our industry.”

She is thrilled Kemalpasa is doing his bit for the Tasmanian cause.

Making it five wins from his past six starts, Kemalpasa was one of Morophettville’s more impressive winners after sweeping past his rivals with a neat brand of acceleration from the back of the field.

Kemalpasa is the first foal from Yarra Bank, a Bianconi mare sourced for $8000 from Inglis’ Great Southern Sale.

“He was standout from the word go – he was problem free,” Watson said.

In keeping with a change to her business model, Watson sold Kemalpasa privately to Kulani Park as a weanling before he was pinhooked at Magic Millions for $140,000.

“I have always sold through the Tasmanian Magic Millions Sale but now I am selling more as weanlings,” she said.

“It allows the business to get cash in through the middle of the year and it splits my income stream.”

Yarra Bank, one of eight broodmares the Watsons keep on their property near Launceston, slipped a foal to Impending last year but has again been covered by the Victorian-based Darley stallion.

Magnus, meanwhile, continues to churn out the winners for Sun Stud where he stands alongside Palentino.

Kemalpasa becomes his sire’s 20th stakes winner with a richly deserved victory for trainers Richard and Chantelle Jolly that is likely to earn him a Melbourne Cup carnival cameo.

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