Gai Waterhouse’s outstanding run in feature races continued at Rosehill on Saturday when Kinnersley scored a tough win in the listed Lord Mayor’s Cup (2000m).
A lightly raced five-year-old son of Al Maher, Kinnersley found plenty in the straight when called upon by Tommy Berry and he easily held out his rivals for a three quarter length success.
“I really thought he had a great chance today,” Waterhouse beamed after the race.
“He’s as honest as the day is long. He’s a lovely kind individual – he showed that when we were saddling him up earlier.”
“He’s got the most lovely disposition.”
Winning rider Tommy Berry was confident leading into the races that Kinnersley would prove one of the horses to beat in the Sydney feature.
“I think the 2000 (metres) suited him a treat. He’s always been a surprise package this horse.”
“Everyone sort of gets off him and then he gets up and wins again. Everyone was asking why I wasn’t on (stablemate) Herculian (Prince) and that’s why!”
“We had a beautiful run from the gates. He’s the kind of horse you can put anywhere you want.”
“He came to the corner and really sprinted and then he outstayed them in the straight,” Berry summed up.
The win was the second at stakes level on the day for the progeny of Al Maher following the success of Dance With Her at listed grade in Adelaide earlier in the afternoon.
Bred by Senga Bissett, Kinnersley was sold through the draft of Southern Cross Breeders for $80,000 at the 2008 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
He caught the eye at the auction of trainer Gai Waterhouse and her good friend and leading syndicator, Denise Martin. He now runs in the Star Thoroughbreds colours made famous by fellow Magic Millions graduates Danglissa, Theseo and Sebring.
The quality performer is now the winner of over a quarter of a million dollars and he looks to have a bright future ahead as a stayer of much promise.
Kinnersley is one of three winners produced by the lightly raced Geiger Counter mare Miss Radiant.
Miss Radiant is a half sister to two stakes winners including multiple Group One winner Electrique.
Winner: Kinnersley
Breeding: Al Maher-Miss Radiant (Geiger Counter)
Race: ATC Lord Mayor’s Cup LR (2000m)
Sold for: $80,000
Sale: 2008 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Southern Cross Breeders
Buyer: Star Thoroughbreds
Earnings: $253,150
Owner(s): P Evans, Mrs S Bourke, M Tran, Ms Y Zoszak, Henderson Racing Syndicate (Mgr: D Henderson), K Clarke, Boeara Holdings Syndicate (Mgr: Mrs D Dunphy) & L Polglase
Trainer: Gai Waterhouse (Randwick)