THURSDAY: May 4, 2023: BRAD Widdup’s Group 1 winner Icebath changed hands for $2.3m today not long after he had won a race at Newcastle with a $1000 cheapie who has only just started his racing career.
Such are the vagaries of racing.
Icebath, who gave Hawkesbury’s leading trainer his maiden Group 1 success at Flemington last spring, was purchased by Yulong Investments at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale in Sydney after bidding began at $1m.
“Horses like her don’t come along every day,” Widdup said this evening.
“Icebath has been a wonderful advertisement for our stable, and has earned her connections $7.5m, taking into account the $5.2m prizemoney she earned on the track.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how her progeny perform when they get to the track in the coming years.”
Widdup watched Icebath being sold and wasn’t at Newcastle, but was understandably pleased to win with Hayatti for an old acquaintance.
Three-year-old Hayatti ($4.80), ridden by Jean Van Overmeire, broke through at only his second start, in the Maiden Plate (1200m).
A son of 2015 Group 1 Australian Guineas winner Wandjina, the gelding is raced by Kemal Mehmet.
“I first met Kemal when I was working with former Randwick trainer Kevin Moses, and he did work experience there,” Widdup explained.
“He rang me out of the blue asking me to train this horse, and wondered if I remembered him.”
Hayatti fetched only $1000 when offered at the 2020 Inglis Australian weanling sale.
He is the first foal of the Charge Forward mare Prontissimo, who won two of her nine starts.
“Hayatti was a bit backward and weak, and we gave him time,” Widdup said.
“He ran second on debut in a Nowra Maiden (1100m) last month and has now won a provincial Maiden.
“It looks to be a pretty good form race, and I liked the way he hit the line, coming from a clear last at the 600m.
“I’ll keep him going for the time being, and no doubt there is further improvement in him.”