Pampelonne Impressive

Racing NSW Chairman Alan Bell has raced a lot of good horses over the years including the likes of Grand Armee, Schillaci, Primacy, Magic of Money, Dupain and Strada and he may well have another one judging by the performance of first starter Pampelonne (3g Rock of Gibraltar x Jestajewel, by Rory's Jester) at Warwick Farm on Wednesday. A three year-old gelding by Rock of Gibraltar, Pampelonne had shown ability in a recent barrier trial so was sent out favourite for the 1100 metre maiden and ran up to expectation when powering home from off the pace to win by a length for Hugh Bowman. “He’ll go to Rosehill on a Saturday in a fortnight and we’ll see where we go from there,” said winning trainer Tim Martin. “He was my best two year-old last season, but he needed time and he has a patient owner in Alan Bell.” Alan Bell was on hand to see the win and was happy with what he saw. “Timmy found him at the sales and he does look impressive,” Bell said. A big strong chestnut, Pampelonne was purchased by Martin for $140,000 from the Kitchwin Hills draft at the 2010 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale and is the second foal and second winner for stakes-placed Rory’s Jester mare Jestajewel, a half-sister to multiple stakes-winner Marveen.