The Darren Weir trained Kenedna had to put motherhood on hold before winning the Group 2 $300,000 7News Matriarch Stakes (2000m) at Flemington today.

Kenedna, above, squeezes through in between runners to win the 2018 Matriarch Stakes at Flemington. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Kenedna, above, squeezes through in between runners to win the 2018 Matriarch Stakes at Flemington. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Kenedna was booked to go to stud to be put in foal this season but Weir was successful in convincing her owners that she deserved another preparation after she looked so good in the spelling paddock.

Kenedna has now added another Group 2 win to her already impressive record and has now greatly enhanced her value as a broodmare.

“She didn’t come up last preparation and the plan was to get her in foal,” Weir said.

“She spelled up at my farm, and I didn’t say for them to put her back into work, but I said you probably should have a think about sending her to stud or not because for some reason she has developed. She has become big and strong and maybe another preparation might be good.”

“Johno (Owner Mick Johnston) went around and saw all of the crew and the next day he came back and said get her into work.”

‘This is the result. It is a dream result.”

“She was a great three year old and there is still a bit of upside to her.”

Weir has had an outstanding 2018 Melbourne Cup Carnival with winners on all four days at Flemington, including a win in the Group 1 $2m AAMI Victoria Derby (2500m) last Saturday while Kenedna was his third winner today after wins by Top Prospect and Ringerdingding.

Jockey John Allen, who rode Extra Brut to win the Victoria Derby, produced another top ride on Kenedna ($10) to squeeze in between runners in the straight to grab a neck win over Miss Siska ($6 favourite) and Luvaluva ($31).

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.