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69.
Defying The Odds
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24/08/2002 |
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As
the field passed the finish line after the running of the Group 2 Warwick Stakes
(1400m), a strange hush descended over Warwick Farm. The new glamour horse
Lonhro had suffered his first defeat since beginning an unbroken sequence of 8
successive victories in the same race a year ago. The near black son of
Octagonal was beaten on his merits by a horse that, by the end of the spring,
may have claims to be the best WFA horse in the country.
DEHERE
he Guy Walter-trained Defier, having his first start since winning the Group 1
Queen Elizabeth Stakes in April, overpowered Lonhro inside the 100m. mark to win
by a short neck on the line with fellow Guy Walter-trained mare Republic Lass
running on pleasingly for third, 2-1/2 lengths away.
The victory made Defier Australia’s latest millionaire. The lightly raced 5yo
gelding has started 16 times for 6 wins 4 seconds and 2 thirds. Originally
purchased by Bart Cummings for $80,000 at the 1999 Magic Millions Yearling Sale,
Defier came to Walter after his previous trainer John Size moved to Hong Kong.
"He's a great horse fresh and he has a wonderful sprint," Walter said.
"He's come back better than ever and it was a great ride by Chris (Munce)."
Lonhro will have his nest start in the Group Two Chelmsford Stakes over 1600m.
at Rosehill on September 7 while Defier will be aimed at the 1300 metres for the
Theo Marks Quality over 1300m. at Rosehill a week later.
Bred by Bhima Stud, Defier is part owned by the exuberant Jim Koureas, former
owner of Dalama Stud at Muswellbrook, which stood, among others, the highly
successful Mighty Avalanche (Kaoru Star) and the Paul Sutherland-trained flyer
Royal Troubadour (Mayo’s Son).
Defier is the first foal of the unplaced Marscay mare Lilande a sister to the
stakes-placed winner Salimar and a three-quarter sister-in-blood to Champion
Australasian three-year old filly Triscay. The winner of 15 races and almost
$2million in earnings Triscay (Marscay-Tristram’s Lady by Sir Tristram)
Triscay’s triumphs included the AJC Oaks (G1), Champagne Stakes (G1), Flight
Stakes (G1), QTC Oaks and VRC Australian Guineas (G1).
Defier is the latest star performer for the handsome Dehere (Deputy
Minister-Sister Dot by Secretariat) who returns to Australia this spring to
stand at Arrowfield Stud. Dehere was a sensational two year old in America and
has proven himself to be a laeding sire in both hemispheres.
Currently in the top ten sires in North America, Dehere exited an excellent
season in Australia where he was 8th on the general sires list. He was
represented by 70 winners from 124 starters for earnings of $3,230,821. His
seven stakes winners during the season included Defier, Belle du Jour, Captain
Test, De Lollies, The Man, Red Hannigan and Russian Caravan.
In New Zealand Dehere was represented by the top-class two year old filly Lady
Dehere (NZ), winner of the NZ$500,000 Mercedes 2yo Classique and the Bank Of New
Zealand Breeders Stakes (G2) and Canterbury Breeders' S., (LR) winner and Group
1 placed St. Therese.
Last seasons champion griffin in Hong Kong, Able Choice, showed he is well up to
stakes class in Australia with a fighting second at Moonee Valley in the
Mitchell McKenzie Stakes (LR) 1000m.
In the U.S. Dehere has been ably represented by the outstanding filly Take
Charge Lady, Easyfromthegitgo, Graeme Hall and Miss Seffens.
By: Mark Smith
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