Owner chases filly to Jewel triumph
AN emotional John Irwin chased his QTIS 3YO Jewelwinning filly Sista Act down the straight before dedicating the victory to his son Drew.
The Mermaid Beach resident broke down in tears after watching jockey Jim Byrne win the $125,000 race at the Gold Coast on Saturday on the Liam Birchleytrained filly.
It came after he sprinted the last 200m along the outside fence in the spectators enclosure in a bid to spur her on to the win.
“I thought the last 100m was going to be the problem so I ran along the rail,” Irwin said.
“I tried to run with it but I didn’t need to do that.
“I get very emotional and I’m going to lose my voice tomorrow.”
Irwin and his son – who works as a stud manager at Vinery Stud in Scone – both own a share in the horse that has given them their first win together.
“It’s been a wonderful journey,” Irwin said.
“Drew, I hope you’re very excited and I am very proud of you my son.”
Drew part-owned Heart Skipt A Beat was placed third in the 2016 Group 1 J.J. Atkins, and he and his father have now found success with her sister.
Sista Act, by Falvelon, was bought for $40,000 at the 2016 Magic Millions Yearling Sales and has made $308,150.
Birchley put a tumultuous month behind him to win the 3YO Jewel.
Birchley has been embroiled in the Aquanita scandal in Melbourne and has agreed with Racing Victoria not to race horses in that state.
He is allowed to train in Queensland until his part of the affair is settled and he has indicated he will strenuously defend three charges.
Sista Act ($10) was beaten at Warwick at her previous start but on Saturday bounded to the lead and went on to score a 1¾ lengths win over Skate To Paris ($4.20).
She is likely to go spell now. for a