Ascot trainer Shane Edwards was rewarded for his faith in rising staying talented Guest Wing when that horse delivered a famous victory in the $400,000 Group Two Perth Cup (2400m) today.
The gelding’s part owners Lex Piper and Richie Green were both keen to “move on” the gelding, but Edwards urged them to keep the gelding and the rest is history.
In winning his third race in Perth’s most famous race, Guest Wing boosted his earnings up over $315,000.
The gelding has turned out a great money spinner for connections. Edwards purchased him from the draft of Mungrup Stud for $40,000 at the 2008 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale.
The win was the first in the Perth Cup for the trainer, owners and rider Brad Parnham – who capped a memorable summer carnival for his family.
Parnham had ridden well during the carnival – but hadn’t tasted the big race success of his training father Neville and jockey brother Steven. Today though was Brad’s day.
“Richie told me to sell him and Mr Piper told me to sell him and I talked them out of it and here we are today,” a delighted Edwards said.
Edwards said Guest Wing had really developed over recent times and had turned into a real racehorse.
“He was doing a few things wrong – calling out in his races – it was just a maturity thing.”
“This time in you can’t fault his form.”
“Coming to the corner I thought he was too deep and too far back, but he rounded them up and got the money,” Edwards added.
Winning rider Brad Parnham said he was delighted to be able to get into the big race winning form of his father and brother.
“It’s always been a big dream to win a Perth Cup,” Parnham said. “Only a month ago I didn’t have a ride in the Cup – I was lucky to pick up a ride.”
“It’s very special – a big day!”
“It had pretty much been Steve and Dad’s carnival – they had a really good run and winning the Kingston Town and the Guineas.”
“I’ve just been chipping away – I’m so glad to get one,” Parnham added.
Parnham said he came to the races today thinking Guest Wing had a great chance in the Cup – his form had been strong and he knew he was trained up for a big performance.
“His run last start was really good. He only went down by a neck.”
“I just thought to myself – he had a really good turn of foot in that race but he probably just peaked on it.”
“So today I just held him up as long as I could and waited to have one last crack at them,” he added.
Guest Wing is the first stakes winner for his sire – In the Wings’ group winning son Right Wing.
Right Wing won 11 races during his European career at distances from 1600 to 2000 metres.
His dam Lacienne raced just twice. She is a full sister to three group performers – Kalatiara, Kentiara and Antique – the latter being the dam of recent stakes winner Broadway Belle.
The latest yearling from Lacienne, a bay filly by exciting Danehill stallion Danehill Express, will go under the hammer at February’s Magic Millions 2011 Perth Yearling Sale.
The filly is catalogued as lot 454 and she will be offered during the early lots of the fourth session of the sale on February 13.
She is being prepared by Remba Park All Equestrian from Baldivis as gent for Mungrup Stud clients.
Winner: Guest Wing (Right Wing-Lacienne)
Race: WATC Perth Cup G2 (2400m)
Sold for: $40,000
Sale: 2008 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale
Vendor: Mungrup Stud (As Agent)
Buyer: Shane Edwards
Earnings: $315,152
Owner(s): LN Piper & RS Green
Trainer: Shane Edwards (Ascot)
