| Crack colt Veight emerged as the newest Group One winning colt of Australia by downing a crack field in today’s George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill. |
| A brave runner-up last start to fellow Magic Millions graduate Southport Tycoon in the Australian Guineas at Flemington, Veight lived up to his connections’ expectations by nabbing a maiden win at the elite level. Co-trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy have always held the exciting son of Grunt in the highest of regard and they and his wider band of connections celebrated his Group One win in style. “What a star,” co-trainer Tony McEvoy said moments after the win. “His racing style helps a lot. He begins well and Damian (Lane) has got so much confidence in him.” “He put him into the race and then he comes back and relaxes. He counted to 10, and it was so deserved.” “I’m so proud of the horse. And all my team, fabulous.” “For Wayne Mitchell, who’s been my biggest supporter, he owns most of this horse and I’m so pleased to win one of these for him.” “To have three runners on Slipper day, this is why we do it. Not everyone gets an opportunity to do this and we’re just so blessed and proud of what we’re doing, and enjoying winning.” “Perfect for him,” McEvoy said of the 1500 metre distance of the Ryder. “I think there’s a $10 million one (1500m race) here in the spring,” he added referring to the Golden Eagle. “He had been running so well at this level and the mile has just been seeing him out.” “The 1500m today was perfect and Damian was superb on him. We didn’t need it to be 1501m, but I’m so proud of the horse.” “I think he had a profile before today that he was an elite level horse and now he’s got one on his resume.” McEvoy said while the All Aged Stakes was an option, Veight was more than likely heading for a break. “He’s never put in a poor performance in his career,” a jubilant rider Damian Lane said. “He’s just a tough, honest horse.” “He jumps well, he gives himself the best chance and he’s just so genuine. When you really ask him to dig deep he does.” “He gets the all-important Group 1, he’s a colt, so he secures his future as a stallion and he’s just a great horse to be involved with.” The first Group One winner for his sire, the O’Reilly Australian Guineas winner Grunt, Veight was bred by Yulong, who stand his sire. The colt was sold by Yulong to Sledmere Stud and Cangon for $100,000 at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Weanling Sale and Sledmere still retain a share. He is one of two winners, from three to race, for the multiple Group winning Fastnet Rock mare Neena Rock. Neena Rock, who won five races before retiring to stud, won a Group Three Cuddle Stakes in New Zealand and a Group Three Angst Stakes in Sydney. Veight is the second Group One winner sold at the 2021 Gold Coast National Weanling Sale to win at the Sydney Autumn Carnival in recent weeks. The classy Gooree Stud owned Tropical Squall, a $16,000 buy, recently won the Group One Surround Stakes in fantastic style. Winner: Veight Breeding: Grunt-Neena Rock (Fastnet Rock) Race: ATC George Ryder Stakes G1 (1500m) Sold for: $100,000 Sale: 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Weanling Sale Earnings: $2,017,740 Breeder: Yulong Investments, Yulong Stud Vendor: Yulong Buyer: Sledmere Stud/Cangon Owners: Pipeliner Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Mr RJ Pawsey, Mr TJ Kirkwood, Sledmere Stud, Mr JK Mackay, Telemon Stud, Mr AJ Parrish, Mr R Shelley, Mr M Twycross Trainers: Tony & Calvin McEvoy |
