Sport
16 September, 2024
Fleetwood best in Breeders Cup at Richmond Bush Sprints
There was another good turnout for the annual Richmond meeting on Saturday.
One of the brightest talents in Australian sprint racing has staked her claim to fame after winning the country’s richest race on Saturday.
Sullivans Fleetwood, who ran second in the Mailman Express in Mount Isa last year, proved best in the Merrie Elliott Breeders Cup at the Richmond Bush Sprints.
Known as the richest race in the land with a purse of $20,000, trainer Tony Smith was rapt to get the win after missing several key meetings this year.
The Victorian-based trainer was due to be at the Mailman Express, Sedan Dip and Normanton events, however, he found himself laid up with a back injury.
Smith claimed both first and second prize at last year’s Mailman and told North West Weekly that he thought Sullivans Fleetwood, who was runner-up to older sister Diamond Dream in 2023, might be the better prospect.
“Fleetwood is a star. That was her first start last year and for her to go there with the crowd, the lights and the noise, and perform like that – I was so impressed,” the Albury trainer said.
“I’d be looking out for her this year if you are bidding in the calcutta.”
Smith’s prediction rang true as Fleetwood went on to win two races on Saturday, claiming the $3000 progressive, which opened the card, followed by the $20,000 Breeders Cup. Cheryl Bethel was the jockey in both wins.
Normanton’s Paul Edwards tasted success in the $5000 maiden with Sullivans Gotcha Tale, ridden by Kyle Sharp.
Local trainer Courtenay Royes had the Richmond crowd pumping when Explosive Girl won the Off the Track Thoroughbreds Open, which had a prize pool of $3000.
Formerly trained by Shryn Royes, the mare won seven races on the thoroughbred circuit, including a victory at Gregory Downs in May this year.
The final race on the program was taken out by Sullivans Hollywood, trained Normanton’s Ashley Gallagher and ridden by daughter Emmy.
Hollywood was also a winner at the Normanton Sprint Races earlier this month.
The next big bush sprint race meeting in the region will be staged in the Gulf community of Georgetown on October 6.