Track star Rudy earns his place in the sun
MILLIONAIRE Gold Coast horse Rudy has been retired from racing, stopping short of a seventh interstate campaign.
Gold Coast trainer Helen Page said the time had come to celebrate the success of the popular seven-year-old gelding who amassed $1,037,925 in prizemoney during a career that included two Group wins.
Page had Rudy lined up for a third crack at the JRA Plate (2000m) at Randwick on April 21 but has drawn the curtains on his career after his 13th place finish in the Toowoomba Cup last Saturday.
“The time has come to retire Rudy and reflect on all the extraordinary memories and good times he has given us,” Page told her social media followers.
“He is as sound as a bell and extremely happy with himself. Thanks Rudy for such a fabulous ride.”
Page said Rudy had found his “forever home” in the legends paddock of Kolora Lodge, owned by Michelle-Lang McMahon and Peter McMahon, at Waterford.
Rudy scored nine wins from 55 starts after starting as a twoyear-old in 2013. His wins included the Group 2 Villiers Stakes at Randwick in 2014 and Group 3 Tattersall’s Cup at Doomben last year.
Rudy, a gelded son of Red Dazzler, also ran third in the Group 1 Doomben Cup and had eight other Group placings.
Where does Rudy sit among the Coast’s best?
SKATE TO PARIS SUNSHINE COAST
Race 7
$4.50
No.1
Yet to win this campaign and although coming off a defeat in an easier race last time out on a heavy track, I’m happy to stick with this filly tomorrow. Her previous two closing efforts at Doomben and in the QTIS Jewel at the Gold Coast were both good. She ran on strongly from off the pace and she goes to the 1600m trip taking on some average opposition. Gets her chance.
LOVE AND ROCK IT SUNSHINE COAST
Race 8
Up-and-coming galloper from the Robert Heathcote stable who steps up a level in grade tomorrow however has done nothing to suggest he can’t measure up. Really caught the eye at Ipswich two starts back, charging home from the back of the field in a race not run to suit. He then finished hard to score at the Sunshine Coast, running away from his rivals late.
DON’T SAY NO GOLD COAST
Race 1
Hidden Dragon filly from the Garnett Taylor stable on the Sunshine Coast who strolled home in a recent home track trial by nine lengths after overracing badly all the way. At only start was just beaten at Townsville last July and she looks to have improved plenty over the break.
Busting to win a race and looks to have found a perfect assignment tomorrow. Drops 2kg on a strongfinishing third at the Gold Coast two back and carries the same weight as he did at Doomben last time out. That day he ran on nicely late against the pattern of the day and the tempo of the race. Meets easier opposition and should be breaking through for a well-deserved win.
Locally trained mare with a good record on the track, having won three of her five starts at the Sunshine Coast. She ventured to Doomben last start and looked like being right in the finish, making good ground early in the straight, before hitting a dead-end 150m from the line and losing all chance. That 2.4 length margin should have been considerably less.
Not raced since failing at the Sunshine Coast back in early March when her effort was largely due to the soft track. She’s had a couple of tries on wet ground and has finished down the track each time. Her “good” track form is terrific and she seems to be always finding the line strongly. Big chance here.