Le Chocolat delivered a well-deserved victory in Race 1 at Eagle Farm on Wednesday, 13 August 2025 — the SOUTHS SPORTS CLUB Maiden Plate over 1400m — bringing up another win for the AHA Racing team.
Beautifully ridden by Ryan Maloney and expertly prepared by Chris Waller, Le Chocolat went straight to the lead on a Soft 5 track and never looked back, holding on strongly to win by 0.4 lengths.
A Return to Form After a Disrupted Journey
This win is particularly satisfying for connections, given Le Chocolat’s stop-start racing journey to date. After a gutsy second placing at Newcastle in the Rarity Southern Maiden Plate on 1 October 2024, he sustained a setback in the stables that kept him off the track for nearly 10 months.
He returned on 1 August 2025, finishing 4th over 1600m at Newcastle on a Heavy 10 surface – far from ideal conditions for a first-up run.
With heavy rain continuing to hammer New South Wales, the decision was made to transfer him to Waller’s Gold Coast stable and give him his next start in Queensland. It proved the right move. Back on firmer ground and showing natural speed and determination, Le Chocolat led from start to finish, confirming the promise he’s always shown.
What’s Next?
With that maiden win under his belt and confidence restored, Le Chocolat is one to follow heading into his next assignment. Connections are hopeful of another trip to the winners’ circle next start.
