Son Of Churchill Secures $2million Prize

Robusto (5g Churchill – She’s Clean, by Redoute’s Choice) enjoyed a change in fortune when gaining the biggest win of his career to date in The Ingham at Randwick, a Group 2 worth $2million.

Previously trained by Chris Waller for owner/breeders Ingham Racing, Robusto is now trained by Bjorn Baker for a partnership led by Darby Dan Racing and was last seen finishing second in a Group 3. Returning to the mile trip at Randwick, he produced a smart turn of foot up the inside rail to beat Group 1 performer Steparty by a neck, with another three parts of a length back to dual Group winner Encap in third.

“He just hadn't been able to draw a barrier until today, that was all important,” winning rider Timothy Clark later commented. “He jumped great, which probably put him a bit closer than maybe expected, but he was happy being there. I wasn't going to take that away from him.

“I didn't want to expose him too soon, but the leader I'mintowin and Gringotts just weren't quite taking me far enough, the gap came and he dashed through really well and pinned his ears back late.”

The trainer’s representative Luke Hilton added: “He hasn't had any luck and he finally drew a gate today. It paid dividends with a great ride by Tim. He was an outstanding run (in the Festival), three wide, no cover and had a poor gate. He really stuck on well.”

The son of Churchill was foaled and raised at Coolmore on behalf of the Ingham family.