In the same week her sire Lonhro turned the grand age of 22, Athiri has become the popular stallion’s latest stakes winner.
A five-time placegetter in black-type grade leading into Saturday, Athiri finally broke her stakes drought with a dominant win in the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap (1200m) at Randwick.
Godolphin’s stable representative Darren Beadman, who was Lonhro’s regular jockey throughout the horse’s glittering career, said it was fitting Athiri raised the bar this week.
“Lonhy’s got another stakes winner. He was 22 the other day so it is good to see him still producing horses of this calibre,” Beadman said.
“I was up there last year for his 21st. He looked a lot better than I did at my 21st.”
Athiri kicked off her campaign in August and Saturday’s race was her sixth this preparation.
Beadman said that fitness edge was important with the firm track and windy conditions producing several fast times and making it difficult for horses to come from the back.
“She’s been up a long time but you certainly need a fit, hard horse today,” he said.
Athiri is likely to be given a short break and aimed at the provincial and country carnivals at Hawkesbury and Scone.
Winning jockey Rachel King said Athiri’s ability to adapt and ride the speed proved crucial.
“She was able to put herself on speed and that’s important on this track today,” King said.
“She was really strong that last bit.”
Athiri cruised home to win by 1-1/2 lengths over Southern Lad with Tactical Advantage another 1-1/4 lengths away third.
