When Chris and Michael Ward secured a Snitzel colt from Marquee Stud at the 2014 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale they were hoping the horse would turn out a life changer.
And what a life changer he has become!
Back then he was lot number 565. He would sell to the Ward brothers’ Triple Crown Syndications for A$120,000. He was named Redzel.
REDZEL (SNITZEL – MILLRICH) ridden by jockey Kerrin MCevoy wins the Everest (Photo credit Darren Tindale / The Image is Everything)
On Saturday Redzel made history when he made it back to back wins in the world’s richest turf race, the $13 million The Everest (1200m) at Randwick.
Speaking of numbers, here’s another.
A$15,372,000. That’s what he’s earned during his career to date, a career which has seen him ranked among the world’s best sprinters for the past two years.
At Randwick last year Redzel won the inaugural running of The Everest, when it carried a total purse of A$10 million.
This year, running in the slot of Mr Zhang’s Yulong Investments, Redzel was able to lead throughout and score a strong win over Trapeze Artist who was chasing an emotional win for his breeders, the Vieira family.
This year’s win came despite a small setback during his preparation when missing a start after becoming cast in a box the night before a lead up run.
The Ward brothers and the connections of Redzel feared their Everest defence was over. But under the expert care of co-trainers Peter and Paul Snowden the super sprinter was soon back on track and being set for his grand final.
And what a grand final performance it was. With regular rider Kerrin McEvoy in the saddle Redzel made all, showing his versatility and class to plough through the heavy track and score.
“To do it once I thought we were very lucky but again it is just unbelievable,” a beaming Peter Snowden said.
“I knew we had the horse. I was confident he would make the improvement.”
“He judged the pace perfectly to give him the chance to finish off hard and the last furlong was his best,” Snowden added.
“This is euphoria at its best,” Kerrin McEvoy exclaimed. “It is such an electric feeling.”
“I was really happy there was a bit of rain around and he did the rest. It is a huge buzz to win it again. Unbelievable!”
The Ward brothers were joined by Yulong’s Mr Zhang in leading in Redzel after today’s big race and said they would all enjoy the celebrations well into the night.
Yulong Investments has quickly established itself as one of the leading thoroughbred operations in the country and are sellers and buyers of quality bloodstock around the world. Today’s victory as part of the Redzel team continues Mr Zhang’s successful progression into Australia.
By Arrowfield Stud’s super sire Snitzel, Redzel capped a great day for graduates of Australia’s leading thoroughbred auctioneer, Magic Millions.
Earlier at Randwick the reigning Magic Millions 3YO Guineas winner Pierata ran significantly faster time in winning the rich Group Three Sydney Stakes (1200m) in brilliant fashion for trainer Greg Hickman.
