Arrowfield sponsors Mona Lisa Stakes

Wyong Race Club has announced Arrowfield Stud as its new sponsor of the $100,000 Mona Lisa Stakes LR at their upcoming Carlton Mid Wyong Gold Cup raceday.

Wyong CEO David Jewell said that the Club was delighted to have one of Australasia’s leading thoroughbred studs as its sponsor of their only black type fillies and mares race.

“Arrowfield Stud’s new manager Paul Messara has enjoyed considerable success here at Wyong as a trainer and we are very pleased that he has stepped in at short notice to support the Club’s big marquee race day of the year.”

Arrowfield Stud last week celebrated the unique achievement of having resident sires Redoute’s Choice and his champion son Snitzel “quinella” the 2013-14 Australian General Sires’ Premiership. This was the first-time that a father and son combination had finished first and second on the General Premiership since Australian Stallion records were first published in 1883/84. It was also the third time in the past nine seasons that Redoute’s Choice has claimed Australia’s champion stallion title.

Paul Messara says, “Arrowfield Stud is very pleased to support the Wyong Race Club’s major raceday. Our sponsorship of the Mona Lisa Stakes continues our commitment to the promotion of valuable black type opportunities for fillies and mares in New South Wales.”

The Mona Lisa Stakes was elevated to Listed status in 2005 when the race was won by the late Guy Walter’s Group One-placed mare Johan’s Toy (due to foal this Spring to Arrowfield resident Animal Kingdom). More recently, the race was taken out last year by the Clarry Conners-trained Impetuous, while the Gai Waterhouse’s consistent Group performer Miss Stellabelle won the Mona Lisa Stakes in 2012.

This year’s Arrowfield Stud Mona Lisa Stakes will be staged at Wyong on Friday 5 September alongside the Club’s $150,000 Carlton Mid Wyong Gold Cup  on the second day of the Club’s 2014 Cup carnival.