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Find out what the jockeys made of their mounts after the $3,000,000 Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill Gardens.

Craig Williams (Bella Nipotina): “Well, the only way she can do it is because of her determination, her ability, and the people that she has behind her.

“So, fortunately for me I’ve been the jockey the last two-and-a-half years and got to know her really well and had an amazing journey with her, and Wow. It’s amazing how we can get her some days and she’s like ‘no, it’s my way’. Today it was just the easy way.

“And even the other day, I just said to her ‘you’ve climbed the biggest mountain by winning The Everest, and now to show everyone that’s come out today to support you, I’m sorry girl but you’ve got to keep doing it’. And she just delivers.

“Credit to all the owners, Ciaron Maher and all of his stable. Even Tony Gollan when they looked after her up in Brisbane.

“And of course, I’ve got to thank Bella. She’s just an amazing horse and I’m just privileged for the ride. We realised that she doesn’t speed up to other horses. We realised that over a period of time she just decreases slower than the rest of them.

“So that’s why she’s like a fine wine. It’s not the fact that she’s speeding past them, it’s just that they’re stopping before she does. And she’s just got the tenacity to keep on going. It’s really exciting.

“I had confidence in the horse. And I can’t do what I do, there’s not many times you can sit there in such a big race like today and to be able to be like a church mouse, but that’s the confidence I have in the horse. Ciaron Maher and his stable, and that’s the horse.

“I’m really privileged, and I’m very lucky that I’ve got my wife and Mum and Dad up here to share it with me. It’s quite rare that on a Derby Day you find yourself in Sydney, but we came for this horse and it’s really, really special.”

Bella Nipotina wins the Russell Balding Stakes

Tommy Berry (Sunshine In Paris): “She went terrific. The barrier has probably put us a pair further back than we wanted to be. We saved a bit of ground around the corner, she was strong late but beaten by a very good horse obviously. She is going well.”

Tyler Schiller (Lady Laguna): “She is the ultimate professional. Gee she gave me a lovely ride, put herself right behind the speed, followed Bella Nipotina. Just a couple too good on the day. She is ultra consistent.”

Nash Rawiller (Mazu): “We rode him quiet. He enjoyed the hot speed. He made a bit of ground. Showing a few signs he’s had enough. He’s had a good prep and next prep can win a good race.”

Jay Ford (Private Eye): “We were able to capitalise today from his good barrier but he didn’t let down like I know he can. A little bit below his best.”

Joao Moreira (King Of Sparta): “He didn't travel on the bit. Was off the bit pretty much all the way through and failed to finish it off.”

Tom Sherry (Phearson): “They were too sharp for him over that trip. He was OK late.”

Chad Schofield (Coal Crusher): “I ran along in front. But still got driven mad somehow.”

Kerrin McEvoy (Rocketing By): “Retiring.”

Reece Jones (Flying Crazy): “Hit the line strongly. Nice calibre horses in that race and he was respectable.”

Zac Lloyd (I Am Me): “She travelled fantastic. Just the rain throughout the day is definitely not to her liking. She didn’t let down as we know she can.”

Check out the replays and results from Golden Eagle Day at Rosehill Gardens