Lots To Like About Australia’s Latest Winner

Ralph Beckett’s well-bred representative Heart Reef (2f Australia - Ignis Away, by Gold Away) showed a very likable attitude to get off the mark at the first time of asking at Haydock on Friday.

The Qatar Racing-owned filly was well-supported in the market and was sent off joint-favourite for the British EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes over a mile. Tom Marquand bided his time as the bay showed signs of inexperience and improved to lead with minimum fuss as they approached the final furlong. Staying on well, she won by a length and a half, her ears pricked.

Bought by David Redvers for €220,000 from Ecurie des Monceaux, Heart Reef was bred by SARL Lemzar out of Ignis Away, an unraced half-sister to Arc hero Danedream. Galileo is a proven cross with the family, with the second dam having produced two Group 3 winners by the multiple champion sire.

Australia, himself a beautifully bred son of Galileo, commands €35,000 at Coolmore Stud.