On one of Australian racing’s biggest stages where the nation’s best juveniles clash in the crucible of the world’s richest two-year-old race and where a world champion franked her greatness, a lightly raced colt stole a moment to shine ever so brightly.
Russian Revolution, winner of the $A700,000 G1 Nathans Hotdog Galaxy (1100m)
A post-event analysis of the statistics will not provide clues as to the importance of Russian Revolution’s win on Golden Slipper Day, his triumph coming just hours after Winx decimated an exceptional field of rivals in the G1 China Horse Club George Ryder Stakes. The statistics will simply ready that he won the $A700,000 G1 Nathans Hotdog Galaxy (1100m) by a neck and in doing so recorded his fifth win in six career starts. But sometimes statistics can rob a moment of significance.
China Horse Club Chairman, Teo Ah Khing with Russian Revolution and jockey, Kerrin Mcevoy
Yet China Horse Club Chairman, Teo Ah Khing, was unequivocal in framing the importance of Russian Revolution’s win on such a big race day.
“I cannot tell you how important this is for all of our members back in China. To win today, on a day like this, to overcome all that happened pre-race and to succeed with a colt who we believe so much in. To the sponsor, Nathans Hotdogs, and to the Australian Turf Club for putting on today, thank you for your support,” the China Horse Club Chairman said.
“To the Snowdens’, Peter and Paul, thank you for your continued efforts with Russian Revolution and all of our horses. To our partners both here and overseas, it is so rewarding to share moments like this with you. This is a great day with a great colt.”
Kerrin Mcevoy(left), Paul Snowden(center), Peter Snowdens(right)
In a pulsating finish, Russian Revolution refused to bow to his more seasoned rivals. Having jumped from barrier 14 of 14 and settled wide throughout in the run at his first race appearance in 140 days, the handsome colt had a myriad of reasons to give into the fight, but fought hardest when the pressure was greatest, firstly to close on his rivals inside the final 50m and then to pull clear of them.
The melodrama was even more expansive with Russian Revolution needing to undergo a pre-race re-shoeing having cast a racing plate behind the barrier. The unplanned re-shoeing jangled nerves and tightened tension and came in the wake of fellow CHC colour bearer Invader being scratched on race eve of the $A3.5 million Golden Slipper – the world’s richest two-year-old race.
“I just want to say a few words. I want to that the Snowdens’, they are different, you see it with days like today,” said Henry Field, Managing Director of Newgate Farm.
“This is a great moment and we hope to share more moments like this with Russian Revolution.”
Henry Field, Managing Director of Newgate Farm(left) with Teo Ah Khing, China Horse Club Chairman
The evocative scenes of unbridled celebrations that took place in the parade ring after Russian Revolution raced away with his biggest prize were part of the theatre of a great day.
Russian Revolution became the latest G1 winner for the China Horse Club and went a considerable way to filling the void left by the recently retired Extreme Choice and Flying Artie who are among the most exciting young stallions announced to stand at stud in Australia this season.
The win also reaffirmed the view that Russian Revolution is a highly commercial stallion prospect in his own right when time comes to close out his racing career. Until then the colt regarded by many as Australia’s most exciting young sprinter will have his chance to continue shinning on the biggest of stages.
If you would like to learn more about the China Horse Club exclusive membership offer, please email your inquiry to horses@chinahorseclub.com