3 minute read

Trainer and jockey quotes after the Group 1 Randwick Guineas at Randwick on Saturday won by Lion's Roar.

Race Result:

1st: Lion's Roar (B Avdulla/J O'Shea) - $26
2nd: Mo'Unga (T Berry/A Neasham) - $5
3rd: Harmony Rose (J Parr/M Newnham) - $9

Winning Time: 1:33.39 Last 600m: 34.80

Margins: 1¼L x Neck

From last to first!! Lion's Roar stalks them and roars home to take out the Group 1 Randwick Guineas. A ripping ride from @brentonavdulla for @JohnOSheaRacing! pic.twitter.com/GqLnCXIqZt

— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 6, 2021

Winning Trainer: John O'Shea

On winning G1s again: "I better not explain the way I feel. It's fantastic. Just an unbelievable effort. In the run he was just bolting. That big action down the outside. Brenton was cool as a cucumber. Just very very special to win it with Champion [Thoroughbreds]."

On another G1 with connections: "We've won a Rosehill Guineas and now this one (Zabrasive). That's the way to do it."

On the horse: "I knew he'd made a lot of improvement from the other day. We came here a bit concerned where we were going to be in the run. Brenton to his credit said just back and get some cover. I just didn't want to ruin what we'd been doing in terms of his preparation. It's just very exciting."

On the future: "He's been a work in progress with this race and the Rosehill Guineas in mind. I think we are on track. That has always been our target race. So to pick up this race along the way is very good. It's a great ownership group."

On the ownership: "I've got my mum and dad in it. I couldn't sell a share in it. This horse has been going well as a 2yo. Take small share."

Winning Jockey: Brenton Avdulla

On his recent riding struggles: "It's been tough, Sydney is very difficult, especially when you don't have the backing of a stable.

"I've been struggling the last month trying to get rides but John has kept supporting me. John is probably one of the reasons I went to that next level in Sydney. I remember him when he was in control of Godolphin, he got me there.

"Next thing I won a premiership and my riding got better. Now that he is on his own he always said he would back me. It's pretty special to ride a Group 1 winner for him."

On what it means to win a Group 1: "When you're turning up to the races on horses you don't think can win, average sort of horses, it gets pretty flattening and you get pretty disheartened, especially when you've been to the pinnacle.

"I feel sorry for my missus and my manager, I've probably been taking it out on them.

"I can tell you it means a lot because I've been working my gut off and struggling to get opportunities, it's nice to get the job done.

"Words can't explain it. I've been here nearly 10 times now at Group 1 status but this one means one of the most."

On the race: "Last night John called me and our plan was maybe to roll forward a bit and put him into the race because we thought that might be the play. When I saw the races being on speed I thought we might go forward and bust ourselves.

"Our ultimate plan was the Rosehill Guineas because he was so good in the Spring Champion so I said I was going to ride him quiet and John just left it to me. That's why he's great to ride for.

"When I was able to find Hughie's back a long way out I thought 'Hughie will do everything for me'. He was shutting gates for me and halfway up the straight I thought if he's ready he'll get the job done and he sprinted like a good horse."

Beaten Jockeys:

Hugh Bowman (Aegon): "We expected more from him. Stating the obvious but he didn't seem as happy today throughout the race."

Tom Marquand (King's Legacy): "Travelled really nicely throughout the race. Would have loved to have had half a split three strides earlier. He's hit the line. Showing signs of bringing back his 2yo form."

James McDonald (North Pacific): "Disappointing today. A bit keen with the blinkers on."

Jean Van Overmeire (Prime Star): "He ran a great race. Awkward barrier but he's done very well."

Tim Clark (Peltzer): "He just found it a bit firm for him."

Tommy Berry (Mo'unga): "Massive run. 2000m is up his alley."

Nash Rawiller (The Elanora): "We went back from the wide draw. I thought his run was credible. Better at 2000m."

Kerrin McEvoy (Bucharest): "Bit sharp for him over that trip."

Rachel King (Marsannay): "Honest run. Just not up to it."

Glen Boss (Here To Shock): "He went well. No luck."

Jason Collett (Wheelhouse): "Wide run but stuck on gamely."

Josh Parr (Harmony Rose): 'Great effort from a very talented filly."