Read the comments from the trainers and each of the jockeys about their rides in the 2025 Golden Gift raced at Rosehill on Saturday 8th November.
Winning Trainer: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott (Adrian comments)
On the win: “He got a nice spot behind the speed and produced at the right time. He was excellent late and good through the line so a lot to like about the win.”
On syndicators Darby Racing: “They’re incredible at selecting and at what they do and incredible in the way they manage the horses.”
“They’re an absolute pleasure and a dream to deal with. They’re very professional in everything they do so it’s an honour to be able to train for them and to get nice horses like this.”
Aim winner at Golden Slipper?: “We will work back from the Slipper. As to what that path that is, whether it’s try to tackle the Blue Diamond, whether it’s the Inglis Millennium race for him, chasing the dollars.”
“We’ve got a few different lead-up options. Whether we go the traditional path, we’ll see what pans out and what we think is going to be the best way to get him to the Slipper. Obviously, he’s got the money now (to get into the field).”
Had benefit of race experience: “It counts for so much. He was unlucky in the Breeders’ Plate to an extent. He consolidated on things today and did an excellent job.”
Winning Jockey: Joshua Parr (Revengeance)
On the win: “It is fantastic. It’s like superhero stuff. What a beautiful animal. Beautiful colt. Prepared to perfection for me today. He was a sit and steer job.”
On the horse: “[1200m] won’t be a worry at all. Interestingly my first encounter with this horse was the Breeders’ Plate. There was so much education and work put into this horse before I arrived on his back. And I’m appreciative of that. I’m respectful of the situation I’ve found myself in.”
“Speaking of his ability, I can’t speak highly enough. He’s improved each time I’ve sat on him now. His action seems to be ironing out. You can see it in his first trial. He looked like a kangaroo coming down the straight. Today he flattened out really well. Can’t wait to see him in March.”
On gaining the ride: “Obviously this is Tim Clark’s Number 1 stable. He’s the number one rider there. I do not like to step on Timmy’s toes. The situation arose because there were a number of bookings in the Breeders’ and Timmy being in Melbourne today. I was fortunate to get the call up for Darby Thoroughbreds.”
Beaten Jockeys:
Kerrin McEvoy (Defensemen): “Next prep for him.”
Tyler Schiller (Anthropoid): “Great run. Feels like a lovely 14/1600m horse to me. Today I was very happy with the way he savaged the line.”
Nash Rawiller (Artemex): “He is a nice horse. I don’t think we saw the best of him. Travelled up behind right where he needed to be, following the winner. Felt like he had it there but just couldn’t give it to me today on the hard track.”
Regan Bayliss (Plagiarism): “Terrific run. Had to offset the wide barrier. Do work in the early stages. Gave a good kick and took a smart one to beat him. Will be a nice one for the Inglis Millenium.”
Chad Lever (Rapid Progress): “Just probably come to the end of it. Probably had enough.”
Tommy Berry (The Next Episode): “He is a lovely colt. Just happening a bit too quick for him at the moment.”
Tom Sherry (Threesome): “Lovely horse. He will keep improving.”
Cieren Fallon (Persian Wonder): “Very happy. A nice horse for the future. Needs to go up in trip and is quite raw.”
Ashley Morgan (Thrill Hunter): “Probably just wants the paddock. Will be a nice filly in the Autumn when she fills out.”
Zac Lloyd (Spicy Miss): “A very nice filly. Will take good mental improvement from that day out.”
Alysha Collett (Farcolo): “It was a nice run. A good learning curve for her.”