Marc Conners hasn’t read the books but he’s heard enough to appreciate the naming of his Starlight Stakes contender Fiftyshadesofgrey.
Raced by a group of women, the five-year-old is by Written Tycoon out of Commands mare Talkin’ About, which begged an obvious question when it came to giving her a name – which book is everybody talking about?
Fiftyshadesofgrey
“And at the time everybody was talking about Fifty Shades Of Grey,” Conners said.
“Plus she is a grey horse so it worked.”
The investment has also worked on the racetrack.
Conners paid $27,000 for her at the 2012 Magic Millions Gold Coast sale and she has gone on to win five of her 36 starts and more than $260,000 prize money.
A black-type victory in Saturday’s Listed Starlight Stakes would further cement her worth as a broodmare.
It would also be a fillip for the stable.
Conners has between 15 and 20 horses in work and in a Sydney racing scene which is becoming increasingly competitive, a stakes win would be the perfect advertisement for his boutique operation.
“No doubt it’s getting harder and we have to try to give clients something the bigger stables can’t,” he said.
“We can be one on one with our horses and our owners.
“Any Saturday-class horses are an important backbone of the stable and she is good to have around.”
James McDonald has stuck with Fiftyshadesofgrey after guiding her to an overdue victory at Rosehill last week, his second win on the mare in as many rides.
Conners said she had come through the race in great order and was on track to back up for the third consecutive Saturday provided she continued to please him.
