Promising youngster Velrosso made history at Rosehill today when he scored an impressive debut win in the Birch and Waite Foods Handicap (1100m).
The General Nediym youngster is trained by top local horseman Chris Waller and was the 100th winner in Sydney for the current racing season.
He is just the fifth person in history to achieve the century milestone in the Harbour City.
Velrosso, who hails from one of the best thoroughbred families in this part of the world, was purchased by Waller for $240,000 at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
He was bred and sold by Gerry Harvey’s Baramul Stud. Harvey took a shine to the youngster and kept a share – with eight other Waller clients buying into the promising type.
“It obviously means a lot to me,” Waller said. “It’s something you look back at, at the end of the season.”
“I’ve got a great team behind me and it’s been a big team effort. It’s just me getting the accolades – but everyone plays their part.”
Champion Melbourne rider Damien Oliver headed north for today’s meeting and ride for Waller after being contacted a “week or so back.”
“It’s been hard to get rides in Melbourne lately with the hids being given a good go,” Oliver said.
“When Chris said he had a few nice rides (for me) I didn’t hesitate.”
“He’s had a wonderful season and he’s turning out to be a fine trainer,” Oliver said of Waller.
Oliver was impressed with the performance of Velrosso.
“He is still a bit new and didn’t really know how to put the race away. He cruised up like he was going to win easily, but just didn’t put them away.”
“I think he’s going to make a nice 1400 (metre) to a mile horse,” he added.
A handsome chestnut colt, Velrosso is the third winner from three to race for the lightly raced Best Western mare Hootenanny.
Velrosso is a full brother to the Group Two Pago Pago Stakes winner Sidereus as well as half brother to the 16 win Philippines star Lady Cugat.
Hootenanny, who placed at three, is a half sister to the stakes performed, six time winner Come on Cugat.
Second dam, the Sir Tristram mare Come on Klaire, is a three quarter sister to Kaapstad and half sister to St. Klaire – she the stakes winning dam of Group One winners Bonanova, Fraternity and Telesto.
It is a family that Baramul Stud have had a great deal of success with – their stakes winners in the family including Kittens, Saint Encosta and Kakakakatie.
Winner: Velrosso
Breeding: General Nediym-Hootenanny (Best Western)
Race: ATC Birch and Waite Foods Handicap (1100m)
Sold for: $240,000
Sale: 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Baramul Stud
Buyer: Chris Waller Racing
Owner(s): Dr M Santangelo, G Harvey, J Christie, P James, T Bonvino, S Circosta, S Kyriacou, V Spencer & Ms D Santangelo
Earnings: $62,000
Trainer: Chris Waller (Rosehill)
