Madam Rouge has added a valuable Group Three win to her record in The Nivison at Randwick where Pretty In Pink has lost all hope of victory before the race started.
Stewards agreed with trainer John O’Shea, Pretty In Pink had not been afforded a fair start when her gate opened and then began to close again before she jumped.
The mare finished fifth but was declared a non runner after the barrier incident.
“It didn’t hit her but it made her baulk and we lost our position in the race,” O’Shea told stewards.
After the panel deliberated for some time, chief steward Marc Van Gestel told O’Shea they believed the incident had cost Pretty In Pink half to three-quarters Of a length.
Ahead of Pretty In Pink, Madam Rouge ($3.80) fought out the finish with Reelem In Ruby ($3.70 fav), prevailing by a long head.
Charlie Duckworth, representing trainer Chris Waller, said the focus had been to get a stakes win for Madam Rouge and the stable would now consider further spring options.
“We have thought about the Golden Eagle but that’s unlikely,” he said.
“It’s probably a bit rough from 1200 to 1500 metres in the Eagle.”
He said a more likely option was the $500,000 Hot Danish Stakes (1400m) in two weeks.
“If there’s a half-million dollar race there ready to be taken then we’ll try to take it,” Duckworth said.
“It’s good to get a Group win for a mare like her. We have always thought a lot of her but she hadn’t been able to reach her full potential.
“Hopefully we are right on track to get there now.”
