The outstanding son of Pierro was sent out the second favourite and despite covering more ground than the favourite he proved too strong for his breakthrough win at racing’s elite level.
Connections of Pierata celebrated loudly and proudly when the beautifully bred galloper sent his stud value soaring with his comprehensive success.
The win is especially sweet for trainer Greg Hickman who purchased Pierata for $160,000 at the 2016 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale – Hickman is a part owner of the star.
“We’ve been knocking on the door for so long,” a delighted Hickman said. “He’s been running the sectionals and you could see he’d improved with his coat and attitude this week.”
“Tommy was ten out of ten out there and he’s got the job done.”
“His sectionals have always been sensational. You think – what do you have to do to win a race – one time (the margin) was a pixel (in the Group One Galaxy).”
“Everybody works hard in the industry and to have a horse like this is life changing.”
“I have a little share in him so that will help as well,” Hickman summed up.
Jockey Tommy Berry delighted his young family who were on course with the win aboard Pierata.
“He travelled so sweetly for me in the run,” Berry said. “At the top of the rise on the better going he was able to let down with that signature turn of foot he has got.”
“I thought Hughie (Bowman, Osborne Bulls) was going to get me at the 100 (metre mark), but my bloke actually pulled away from him late.”
“He deserved to win, he is a quality colt and I’m sure there will be a lot of studs knocking on the door now,” Berry added.
A winner of the Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) last year, Pierata has now earned his large ownership group over $3.3 million in prizemoney. His stud value is now many times more.
Pierata is one of two group winners produced by the Group Three Millie Fox Stakes winner November Flight – a daughter of Golden Slipper winner Flying Spur.
November Flight’s other group winner is Ashokan, a winner of the Skyline Stakes at Group Three level as a two-year-old.
Pierata is the fourth individual Group One winner for the Coolmore Stud based sire star Pierro. Like Pierata, Pierro was sold at the Gold Coast Yearling Sale – five years earlier in 2011.
Winner: Pierata
Breeding: Pierro-November Flight (Flying Spur)
Race: ATC All Aged Stakes G1 (1400m)
Sold for: $160,000
Sale: 2016 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Kitchwin Hills (As Agent)
Buyer: Greg Hickman
Earnings: $3,311,300
Owner(s): G Hickman, R Wilson, W Clegg, G Clegg, C Clegg, A Gianesi, A Merritt, K Ayton, B Turton, T Bonello, J Zammit, M Aurisch, M Mathews, C Testa, V Sikais, A Carney, Miss T Powers & Steelies Racing Synd (Mgr: L Caff)
Trainer: Greg Hickman (Warwick Farm)
