Atishu, a multiple Group 1-winning mare, is set to conclude her illustrious racing career this Saturday at Randwick in the Group 1 Queen of the Turf Stakes (1600m).
The seven-year-old daughter of Savabeel, owned by New Zealand syndicator Go Racing, aims to secure her fourth Group 1 victory and her second win in this particular race, having triumphed in 2023 and finishing second in 2024.
Following this race, Atishu is scheduled to be offered at the Magic Millions Gold Coast National Broodmare Sale next month.
“It will be a day of mixed emotions with this being her swansong,” Go Racing General Manager Matt Allnutt said to Loveracing NZ. “It brings the curtain down on what has been a fantastic career. There have been a lot of friendships formed (within her syndicate) and we have all really enjoyed the ride.”
The Queen of the Turf holds fond memories for her connections, having won the race two years ago before finishing runner-up in last year’s running, and she will reunite with 2023-winning hoop Nash Rawiller this weekend in the hope of a fairytale ending.
“Nash rode her in this race two years ago when she won it. She drew barrier one on that day and she has drawn barrier two on Saturday,” Allnutt said.
“She loves the race and she races well at Randwick. Chris (Waller, trainer) is more than happy with her, dropping back to the 1600m suits, and I think the race maps well for her.
“Fairytales do happen in racing and let’s hope we see another one on Saturday.”
