On Saturday at Sandown, Bashful Girl took out the final Group race of the 2009 Spring Carnival with a gutsy win in the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes.
The win was significant for our stable as it became the second winner in as many years in the feature event. The 2008 race was won by Eskimo Dan.
Bashful Girl jumped away from the inside barrier and settled back a little bit further than first planned however due to the strong pace early in the race, it was a good place to be. As they turned into the straight, the gap appeared for jockey Craig Newitt who went to the lead inside the 300m and was never headed.
As Bashful Girl is a mare, the black-type win on Saturday was not only a great prizemoney earner, it has significantly enhanced her value as a broodmare once her racing career ends.
The victory was a great moment for all owners Ian and Kathryn MacDonald and Chris and Joanne Sleigh. It was extra special for Ian who has raced the entire Strike High family and he is on the committee at the Melbourne Racing Club who hosted the race.
Bashful Girl has now had five starts for our stable and has improved at every start. This victory was well deserved and she has now added more than $100,000 in prizemoney since joining our stable for a career total of just under $300,000.
Bashful Girl will now head to the paddock for a well earned rest before coming back in the autumn.
Our other representative in the race Sea Skye ran an excellent race to finish eighth. He came from a clear last on the home turn and finished off strongly. He is on a Perth Cup mission.