Kembla Grange trainer Theresa Bateup has celebrated the biggest win of her career with Monegal’s victory in the Epona Stakes at Rosehill her first Group race triumph.
Starting a $7 chance, Monegal swept down the centre of the track to down Victorian Nerve Not Verve ($9) by 2-1/4 lengths with another 4-1/4 lengths to Feel The Rush ($26) in third.
Favourite Le Lude finished fifth while Harmony Rose , who was also prominent in betting, was lucky to stay on her feet after striking interference on the home turn and she did a good job to pick herself up and finish sixth.
Bateup doesn’t have the spending power of the major trainers and plucked Monegal out of the Scone Yearling Sale for just $3000.
The mare has now banked more than $600,000 and as a stakes winner, has secured her future as a broodmare.
“This is what you get up for every day,” Bateup said.
“I’m glad it’s her that was able to be my first Group winner because she has been such a great little horse for us and we’re just so proud of her.
“She thoroughly deserves that and that was the idea of coming here today, we were after that black-type.
“I was just hoping for that top three finish and to see her come out and win is absolutely fantastic.”
Bateup is unsure of her next target for Monegal but she is keen to keep her racing while the tracks are wet and the mare is in form.