Classy English import Contributer socres the first Group 1 win for the John O’Shea – Godolphin team with an emphatic win in the 1 $500,000 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) at Warwick Farm today.
O’Shea took over as head trainer of the mighty Godolphin stable in May last year and is relieved to have a delivered a Group 1 victory for his new boss.
“It’s great for a team effort more than anything. All the team that are here work hard to get a good result,” O’Shea said.
Contributrer ($2.50 favourite) made it two wins from two starts this preparation after winning first up in the Group 2 $250,000 Optus Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick a fortnight ago.
The win by Contributer continued a great day for O’Shea’s who had won earlier in the day with two year old Exosphere in the Group 2 $175,000 Pro-Ride Skyline Stakes (1200m) and also with another import It’s Somewhat in the Group 3 $150,000 Liverpool City Cup (1300m).
Winning rider James McDonald had Contributer closer to the pace today but O’Shea wasn’t surprised with the different riding tactics.
“He rode him a bit closer today. Before the race Mac said there will be few riding changes. I said you will work it out,” O’Shea said.
Another one of Goldolphin’s English import Hartnell ($18) ran on late to make it a quinella for O’Shea with the Chris Waller trained He’s Your Man ($9.50) also making up ground late to fill third spot.
Contributer will now head to the Group 1 $3m The Star Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick on April 4 and is also among the nomination for the Group 1 $4m Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on April 11.