Press Statement
Press Statement reaffirmed his standing as Australia’s premier three-year-old miler and as headline act of Sydney’s upcoming Autumn Carnival with a blistering return to racing in the $A400,000 Crc Hobartville Stakes at Rosehill Gardens in Sydney.
Success in the G1 J.J. Atkins Stakes as a two-year-old and the G1 Caulfield Guineas as a three-year-old ensured Press Statement’s future at stud at Vinery Australia in the NSW Hunter Valley is assured when his career comes to a close. His current preparation may yet define his standing among a generation of star sprint-milers and may also tease owners into considering racing in premier international carnivals.
“I was blown away to be honest,” champion jockey Hugh Bowman said after the win.
“I haven’t been on [Press Statement] in his trials, I felt he was going to need the day out but when I cantered to the barriers he pig rooted a little and I knew he was ready to go. Chris [Waller] assured me that he is a valuable colt and he would be ready to win. He is a Caulfield Guineas winner already but I feel he can go to another level.”
Jockey, Hugh Bowman
Bowman gave Press Statement a brilliant ride from an awkward barrier eight to settle in fourth position behind the leaders and the star colt justified the jockeys work with a dominant display, racing away from rivals to score by two-and-a-quarter lengths.
“[Press Statement] has such a big stride that it takes him a while to get organized and get balanced but when I showed him the whip, and I only hit him once, my word did he respond. It is a real privilege to be a part of a colt like this,” Bowman added.
As an elite colt and confirmed commercial stallion prospect continued success is vital for stars like Press Statement and today’s performance only heightened confidence that Press Statement can continue building on his curriculum vitae.
“We have a clear focus on what we are trying to achieve with our bloodstock division, yes we try and win as many races as we can for our members but more than that we are very focused on the commercial opportunities within the industry and the win today of Press Statement is further justification of that,” said Eden Harrington, China Horse Club Vice President and Head (Partnership/Memberships).
“We are very fortunate to have wonderful partnerships with Newgate Farm, Coolmore, WinStar Farm, Qatar Racing, Markus Jooste and other and today we shared success again with Vinery Australia and the Chris Waller stable through Press Statement.
“Peter Orton and his team at Vinery and Chris and his stable are exceptionally professionally and wonderful to work with and we look forward to sharing further success with them this autumn as well as exploring future opportunities with them on behalf of our members.”
China Horse Club Chairman, Teo Ah Khing(left) with Trainer, Chris Walker(right)
For champion trainer Chris Waller it was a relieving and enjoyable sight to see one of his stable heavyweights confirm all is in readiness for another big campaign.
“[Press Statement] showed from barrier eight he can put himself into a race. Barrier eight is hard. Everyone wants to be where he was today but only one or two jockeys can get there in a race, they can’t knock each other down, they have to do it within the rules of racing. Good horses allows angles to happen and a good jockey like Hugh Bowman makes it looks easy. That is the first part of his armoury, he settles so well mid-stages and has a devastating finish.
“He has come back a little bit stronger, he’s about 10kg heavier but he is not fat. That tells me he is has strengthened up physically and has come back better.”
The G1 Randwick Guineas is set to be the next target for Press Statement with that run likely to determine the exact path the colt takes for the second half of his preparation. Connections have outlined that the G1 All-Aged Stakes remains a clear target but he has been nominated for every major G1 over the autumn up to 2000m ensuring Waller has an array of options at his disposal.
If you would like to learn more about the China Horse Club exclusive membership offer, please contact Mr. Eden Harrington or Ms. Fu Peipei. We look forward to hearing from you.
Mr. Eden HARRINGTON eden@chinahorseclub.com (Hp no : +65 93769968)
Ms. FU Peipei peipei@chinahorseclub.com (Hp no : +86 18600929029)