A benchmark race on The Gong undercard will add some Royal flavour to the stand-alone Kembla Grange meeting when a horse owned by His Majesty King Charles III makes his local debut.
Four-year-old Gilded Water has been sent to Australia to continue his racing career, having started just four times in the UK with the highlight a maiden win at Chepstow in May.
He will line up for Ciaron Maher in the PFD Food Services Handicap (2000m) on Saturday and be ridden by Jason Collett, who is thrilled to be given the opportunity to don the traditional Royal silks of purple and gold with scarlet sleeves and a black cap.
Collett partnered Gilded Water in a recent barrier trial and expects the newcomer to make an immediate impact.
“I gave him a trial at Warwick Farm and he trialled really nicely over 1200 metres,” Collett said.
“He was meant to run two weeks ago but had a small setback.
“He’s at 2000 metres on the weekend and fitness and distance will be fine. I think he is a very nice horse.
“He races in the King’s colours as well so that would be pretty cool to win in them.”
Gilded Water, who has drawn barrier four, has had early specking from $6 into $4.80 and is a clear second pick behind another import, Alalcance, who hasn’t raced since winning her first local outing at Warwick Farm in September.
The King has continued to dabble in racing since the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who was an avid fan of the sport.
While his runners in Australia have been few and far between, he has tasted stakes success here with the Chris Waller-trained Chalk Stream, who won the 2023 Listed Australia Day Cup at Warwick Farm.
