3 minute read
Shanghai Venture has finally broken through for her maiden win with a stylish performance at Sandown.
Recent appointee to the role of president at the Richmond Football Club, John O'Rourke has also had some success on the racetrack at Sandown.
A filly he owns in partnership with his brother Steve, business partner Ray Wilson and world-famous former race caller Jim McGrath, who bred the filly, took out the Locketled.au Plate (1200m) at Sandown on Wednesday.
Trainer Brian Mcgrath said O'Rourke had been a massive supporter of the stable right from when he first started training at Cranbourne.
"He's supported me before I had even bowled a ball," McGrath said.
"He's a great bloke along with his brother Steve and business partner Ray Wilson.
"It's a good result."
McGrath said his father, who called races in Australia, Hong Kong before becoming the voice of the BBC in England, would also be proud of the Akeed Mofeed filly he bred.
He said his father would be up and watching the race in early hours of the morning in the UK.
"He's probably frosted in or snowed in, so this will warm him up, no doubt," McGrath said.
Shanghai Venture was having her seventh start on Wednesday having collected three placings prior to the all-the-way victory.
Ridden by Blake Shinn, Shanghai Venture ($3.90) scored by 1-¼ lengths from the $3.70 favourite Sassy Anna with Mighty Sapphire ($21) a nose away third.
"She's done really well," McGrath said.
"We thought we had been a little stiff in the last couple, but it's great she got the win.
"She's shown her versatility and it was a good ride by Blake as well."
To continue the AFL theme, Brownlow Medal winner Chris Judd is a part-owner of Tycoon Bec that took out the Stow Storage Solutions Handicap (2100m).
Shanghai Venture brings up her maiden with a strong leading ride @blake_shinn pic.twitter.com/12BqLFQVYb
— Racing.com (@Racing) December 21, 2022
