The patience of the Gardet Ownership Group was rewarded in style on Saturday when Rose Noir produced a thrilling late surge to claim the Linda Daffy’s Mermaid Waters TAB Class 2 Handicap (1000m) at the Gold Coast.
Rose Noir spent the first three years of her racing career with leading Brisbane trainer Tony Gollan, compiling an impressive record of 17 starts for 2 wins, 6 seconds and 1 third. A subsequent move to Matthew Dunn’s Murwillumbah stable was unfortunately interrupted by a training incident, resulting in the mare being sent to the paddock for a freshen-up and reset.
Believing Rose Noir would thrive in a quieter, more hands-on environment, we transferred her to emerging New Zealand-born trainer Renita Beaton, who has recently established her new training complex on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Renita’s commitment to riding much of her own trackwork has been invaluable, particularly in helping Rose Noir overcome her previous tendency to lose momentum around corners.
Her first-up run at the Gold Coast a fortnight ago was treated as a valuable fitness-builder after a series of trial cancellations caused by wet weather. Despite drawing the outside barrier, Rose Noir travelled comfortably under promising young jockey Bailey Wheeler, negotiating the turn well before hitting the line strongly to finish just three lengths from the winner.
Returning to the Gold Coast on Saturday, Rose Noir drew barrier one and enjoyed a perfect run in transit. Wheeler allowed her to settle back on the rails with cover before gradually improving through the field. Turning for home, she was still four lengths from race leader and hot TAB favourite Cat Call, but was travelling strongly and building momentum.
At the 200m mark, Rose Noir was poised to challenge when the gap ahead began to narrow. Showing excellent judgement, Wheeler shifted back to the inside to take advantage of a split opening between runners. Asking for a final effort, he received an immediate response as Rose Noir surged through the gap and lunged at the line, snatching victory by a head in a thrilling finish.
It was a fast-run 1000m contest and Rose Noir’s impressive turn of foot was the difference. Her return to the winner’s circle was exciting to watch and a fitting reward for the patience shown by her owners and the excellent work done by Renita Beaton and her team in restoring the mare to peak condition.
Congratulations to all involved. We’re excited to see what the remainder of this preparation holds for Rose Noir.
