New Zealand raider Rising Romance has produced an incredible final straight sprint to win the 2014 Australian Oaks (2400m) on day 2 of The Championships at Royal Randwick this afternoon, ahead of Zanbagh and Lucia Valentina.
Rising Romance has won the Group 1 Australian Oaks. Photo: Steve Hart
Jumping well, the Ekraar filly settled in ideal position on the heels of the early leaders, allowing Amanpour, Role Model and Forever Loved to dictate a fair tempo over the back straight.
Rounding the bend in a fanning formation, Rising Romance quickly took up the pace and exploded away from the main pack, pulling out to a near three length lead before being wound back in slightly, eventually finding the line a length and a half in the green.
Trainer Donna Logan was understandably thrilled with Rising Romance’s performance in the 2014 Australian Oaks, particularly in overcoming a disappointing run in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) in her maiden Australian tilt two weeks ago.
“To be here in Sydney in Championship time; it’s just the best, the ultimate” Logan said immediately after the race.
“James (McDonald) told me look I’ve made a mistake, it’s the worst big race ride I’ve ridden and I promise ill make it up to you in the Oaks, he said we’ll win the Oaks.
“We’ve just kept her entertained really, she’s quite a little madam in her own right, but she’s loved it here as I do.
“I’m just very elated and very proud to have a filly this good.”
Securing another positive result for New Zealand horse racing in major Australian events this autumn, Logan said she was delighted to play a big part this season.
“This huge, very big for the industry; Kiwi-bred fillies coming over here and winning Group 1’s, what else could you want” Logan said.
Jockey James McDonald delivered a sensational ride on Rising Romance to win the 2014 Australian Oaks, and was particularly happy to deliver the Kiwis another major title this season.
“I told everyone I rode her pretty bad and I knew this filly was exception” McDonald said of overcoming the less-than-convincing Vinery Stud Stakes performance.
“These Kiwis are firing up over this carnival.
“We wouldn’t to be a bit positive more than last time, and I found some runs late last time so I didn’t want to do that again.
“As the tempo quickened up it opened up a bit and my filly stays all day, so great effort.”
Having now secured four wins and three places from only ten race starts, Rising Romance will return to New Zealand and the spelling paddock ahead of a busy spring preparation.
