Bella Nipotina Wins G2 Sapphire

Coolmore sires dominated the final day of The Championships at Randwick and Pride of Dubai made his presence felt when Bella Nipotina (4m Pride of Dubai x Bella Orfana , by Star Witness) landed the $300,000 Group II ATC Sapphire Stakes (1200m).

Trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Bella Nipotina was twice Group I placed last spring and showed her class with a short neck win under James McDonald.

"Like everything today it's hard fought. The owners, the jockey, the trainer everyone had to really roar to get her over the line. It's been a great result, she's been a real revelation,” said Ciaron Maher.

"She's Group 1 placed twice so Adelaide Sangster might be an option, Queensland is an option for her. She's got plenty of options. The main thing is she won today and great to get a winner on Championships day."

An $80,000 Inglis Premier purchase for Lindsay Park Racing / Andrew Williams Bloodstock / Mt Hallowell Stud from the Rosemont stud draft, Bella Nipotina was bred by Michael Christian and partners at Longwood Thoroughbred Farm and they retain a share in her ownership.

She has the tidy record of four wins and 13 placings from 27 starts with earnings of $1.6million.

Bella Nipotina is the first foal of Bella Orfana, a placed sibling by Star Witness to Group winners Hallowell Belle and Fuddle Dee Duddle from the family of Group I Caulfield Guineas winner In Top Swing.

Bella Nipotina has been a great flagbearer for Pride of Dubai.