With his recent win behind him The Duke ventured to Caulfield, to further progress his status as an emerging stayer of the future. With an inside draw and soft track conditions again coupled with Harry Coffee on board as well, the scene was set for a competitive showing.
As expected, a large group of owners assembled in the mounting yard and the scene was set in the cold, wet and wintery conditions.
With expectations high for a good performance from The Duke, the owners waited with great anticipation and indeed excitement.
He started well on the inside and settled midfield on the rail, with the speed on very early in the race.
As the field jostled for position the pace of the race slowed, but this did not worry The Duke as he continued to travel nicely along the rails.
Coming around the home turn Harry found a gap and started his move, as the race changed tempo once again.
The owners could feel this was his chance and urged him along with the raucous noise, cheering and passion evident.
He straitened and made ground with 100 meters to go, eventually running down the leader to win in his customary style.
The roar from the mounting yard owners was deafening and one to behold, being compared to Group 1 races in the spring.
The energetic and overwhelmed owners continued to cheer both their boy The Duke and Harry, as they re-entered the mounting yard.
With a future bright for this promising stayer, we take this opportunity to thank all our owners and staff for their contributions and efforts.
Sacred Falls has now proven to be one of the modern great sires leaving tenacity, speed, strength and great attitudes to his progeny.
We have another yearling from Sacred Falls out of a staying mare as well, with limited shares available https://www.simonzahra.racing/horses-available/sacred-falls-x-baysa/
Onwards and upwards for The Duke as we look to continue his accession, in the staying ranks.
We are sure his passionate owners are also looking forward to the next phase as well.
