Brave the Way completed a successful 24 hour raid on New South Wales for Alan Bailey and Glen Colless when the talented five-year-old won the $70,000 Coffs Harbour Cup (1600m) on Thursday.
A gelded son of former champion European galloper Falbrav, Brave the Way was sent out the second favourite and he got home to beat the favourite Southern Shimmer to win by a half length.
The win was the second in the race for leading Brisbane based jockey Glen Colless – the win extra special coming in his hometown Cup.
“It mightn’t be the biggest race in the world, Colless told Sky Racing. “But it means a lot to me.”
“It’s pretty emotional, I’m stoked,” he added.
“It’s great to come back and win it and it’s extra special to do it with Alan (Bailey).”
“He’s been so good to me for the last 15 or so years – my greatest supporter,” Colless added.
On Wednesday Bailey and Colless teamed up to win at Canterbury with the promising three-year-old God Bless Us – a $250,000 graduate from last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Their latest star, Brave the Way is turning out a great value buy for connections. Bailey parted with $50,000 for him from the draft of Brooklyn Lodge at the 2008 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale.
By Fairy King’s 13 time winning sensation Falbrav, Brave the Way is one of three winners, from four to race, for his dam La Belle Diamante.
Aside from the stakes performed Brave the Way, the Zabeel mare La Belle Diamante is the dam of the twice winner Metung Belle and recent South African winner Catalectric.
La Belle Diamante is from the Habitat mare L’anno D’oro – a sister to Habibti and half sister to the grand producer Eight Carat (dam of five individual Group One winners including Octagonal).
Winner: Brave the Way
Breeding: Falbrav-La Belle Diamante (Zabeel)
Race: Coffs Harbour RC Coffs Harbour Cup (1600m)
Sold for: $50,000
Sale: 2008 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale
Vendor: Brooklyn Lodge (As Agent)
Buyer: Bailey Racing Australia
Earnings: $143,650
Owner(s): McDonald Syndicate (Mgr: K McDonald & A Bailey), A Harris & A Pippos
Trainer: Alan Bailey (Gold Coast)
