NEWS (January 2009)

02/01/09

WILLOWBEND WINNERS BRING IN THE NEW YEAR

Willowbend Stud kicked off the new year in fine style at the Gold Coast on New Years Day producing a winning double with Meet George (Rock Of Cashel x Judy Jetson) and Black Piranha (Clang x Jazztrack) both scoring impressively.

Meet George was the first to salute, winning by a comfortable length and three quarters in the Class One 1000m on the dead track.  Trainer John Wallace was just as impressed with the performance and is looking forward to picking up some of the lucrative QTIS prizemoney in the coming months with the three year old.

"I really think now that he's a short courser," said Wallace.

"He's done terrific from the run and I couldn't be happier with him.  He's not a Magic Millions horse as the owners bred him themselves but I will be setting him for the three year old QTIS race at Eagle Fam on the 24th over the 1000m."

Meet George has now won $68,700 in prizemoney from seven starts and helps his sire, Rock Of Cashel move up the second season sires list, sitting narrowly outside the top 10 at 11.

Meanwhile, Clang, who is no stranger to the Leading Sire tables notched up another black type win two races later when Black Piranha took out the prestigious Goldmarket Handicap over 1300m.  It was a real family affair for connections as Rosehill trainer Con Karakatsanis is also a part owner.

"The horse is pretty much owned by family and friends," said Karakatsanis.

"Dad picked him out at the Magic Millions sales when he was a yearling for $46,000 and myself, mum, dad and my uncle all have shares as well as a couple of family friends.

"He'll now go onto the Magic Millions Cup next Saturday and depending on how he goes he will either stay in Queensland for the Caloundra Cup or we'll take him home and give him a freshen up for something in Sydney."

It was the five year old's first Black Type win, bringing his prizemoney tally to $294,155 from his 28 starts.

Unfortunately for dam Jazztrack, Black Piranha, who was her first foal is the only foal to date having slipped or missed the following years.  She has been served by Clang again this year and fingers crossed to connections that they have a bit more luck this year.

  Black Piranha (outside horse) surges to the front in the Goldmarket (Courtesy Trackside Photography)