Royal Descent returns triumphant in Warwick Stakes
Two days after winning last season’s NSW Miler of the Year title, Royal Descent opened her 2015/16 campaign with a classy victory in the $250,000 ATC Warwick S. 1400m G2.
The daughter of Redoute’s Choice hadn’t won since her extraordinary ten-length romp in the 2013 Australian Oaks G1, but she has notched up six Group 1 placings, in all the big Randwick miles (the Doncaster, Epsom & George Main Stakes) and a fine third behind Criterion & Red Cadeaux in last Autumn’s weight-for-age grand final, the 2000-metre Queen Elizabeth S. G1
Chris Waller, who trains the now 6YO mare for owner-breeder Gerry Harvey, says, “She has been placed in so many big races and I’ve never been disappointed in her. And she has come back stronger and looks the best she ever has at the start of a preparation.”
I will talk to Gerry Harvey but we’ll aim her at the Epsom Handicap and see where we go from there, up in distance or stick to the mile and go to the Myer. It will work itself out.”
Royal Descent jumped well and settled just behind Zaratone, Pornichet and Messene until jockey Hugh Bowman eased her out on the turn and urged her forward. Pornichet proved the most resolute of her rivals but the mare drove hard to catch him 150 metres from the post and pull away for a 1.5 length victory in 1:21.57 on the Good3 track.
Sadly, the accomplished Group 2 winner Burbero broke down badly during the running and was unable to be saved. His trainer Bjorn Baker described the winner of 13 races and more than $700,000 as “a little horse with a big heart who loved competing.”
Royal Descent has now earned $2.4 million from five wins & 12 placings in her 26-start career and she must be rated a strong chance of adding further Group 1 success to that record.
Her dam Mulan Princess (by Kaapstad) won six races, including the STC Hill S. G2 and has two sisters to Royal Descent, The Warrior Woman & Chateau Lafaite, now alongside her in the Baramul Stud broodmare band.
Royal Descent is the first stakeswinner of the new season for Redoute’s Choice after runner-up finishes by Great Esteem in the ATC Winter Challenge S. LR on 1 August, and King’s Troop in the ATC San Domenico S. G3 on 15 August.
