Latest News

Find out what the jockeys made of their mounts after the $2,000,000 The Invitation (1400m) at Royal Randwick.

Kerrin McEvoy (Espiona): “I ended up getting a nice run through. Clippo (Sam Clipperton on Ruthless Dame - 2nd) was over early and had me down to one off the rail and then he sort of dictated to me a little bit. I was actually pleased when he strode forward in that three-wide line when they steadied up. I was able to pop off, get on his back and be a little bit closer. I was worried at the 300m then at the 100m she just done enough to get her bib in front, so it was a nice win.”

“She just laid in a little bit. I wanted to try and extract a bit more out of her but I didn’t want her to go bananas and have her going in and running into and bumping horses on the inside. It was that fine line, I needed Nash’s (Rawiller) big long legs.

“Chris (Waller) has done a remarkable job with her freshening up after a run in the premiere sprint race, The Everest. She bounced back and recorded a great performance there today.”

Espiona wins The Invitation

Sam Clipperton (Ruthless Dame): “She has gone super. I had a really nice run from the wide draw and she had a ding dong battle with a star mare on her day. Couldn’t have gone any better.”

Tyler Schiller (Magic Time): “Massive run albeit three deep. Was in a great rhythm and I thought she finished the race off really well.”

Adam Hyeronimus (Alcohol Free): “She has gone fantastic. I just think she is definitely looking for the mile. Obviously having those few runs at the shorter distance knocked the edge off her. I think you’ll see a much better horse next start.”

Jason Collett (Royal Merchant): “Better run. Went for a neat run in the straight but probably wasn’t good enough to get through.”

Dylan Gibbons (Opal Ridge): “Face value disappointing. I think she appreciates a bit of room and didn’t get much today.”

Tommy Berry (Roots): “She just knuckled a couple of strides after the start and got squeezed out. Never recovered after that.”

Regan Bayliss (Parisal): “She ran OK. Just got cluttered up for room down the straight. I think maybe the team will drop him back to six furlongs.”

Kathy O'Hara (Olentia): “She will probably benefit from coming back in grade. Just needs a little more confidence about her and she will be away again.”

Josh Parr (Banana Queen): “Not by design we found the front. Neither her or I liked the scenario.”

Rachel King (Ausbred Flirt): “Massive run. Just needed a a little bit of luck late. Didn’t get out until 50m to go.”

Jay Ford (Dalchini): “She ran a great race. Obviously she gets back from that wide gate but closed off really well.”

Check out the replays and results from Spring Champion Stakes Day at Royal Randwick