Invader is the 2017 Inglis Sires’ Winner

Invader has produced a huge turn of foot in the final straight at Royal Randwick to be crowned the Group 1 Inglis Sires’ winner on Day 1 of The Championships this afternoon.

Invader was a class above his rivals in this afternoon's Group 1 Inglis Sires'. Photo: Steve Hart

Invader was a class above his rivals in this afternoon’s Group 1 Inglis Sires’. Photo: Steve Hart

Invader was unlucky to miss the Golden Slipper with a hoof abscess a fortnight ago, but trainers Peter & Paul Snowden were hopeful that would be a blessing in disguise as the colt took to the barriers this afternoon fresh.

Jumping from the gates well, the Snitzel colt took a position within the capacity field of sixteen two-year-olds as Sirconni, Summer Passage and Menari led the way.

Experiencing a carefree run in transit, Invader immediately responded when he was asked for an extra effort by Hugh Bowman with 300m to run; flying home down the outside of the pack and extending to the line to beat a gallant Summer Passage; Trapeze Artist continuing his strong and consistent career start in third position.

Co-trainer Paul Snowden was understandably thrilled with Invader’s performance to win the 2017 Inglis Sires’, but revealed that the horse’s next point of call is yet to be determined.

“It’s been a tough couple of weeks, biting out top lips with what happened in Slipper week and leading up to it,” Snowden said after the Inglis Sires’.

“Full credit has to go to our staff, they’ve done a tremendous job and we wouldn’t have been here today if it wasn’t for them.

“He’s always been looking for 1400m, so that’s been the biggest plus after just waiting and waiting for this to happen!

“Once he just lobbed into a lovely spot, Hughie just gave him every possible chance and once he popped out, he hadn’t balanced up and I was just thinking ‘come on, come on!’.

“He was certainly the strongest one late.”

Summer Passage won the Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) in his native New Zealand on March 16th and was anything but disgraced in running a strong second in the Inglis Sires’.

Trapeze Artist continued to make up ground in the dying stages of the races and will potentially find ideal going in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick in two weeks’ time.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.