Son Of Churchill Secures $2million Prize

Almost 12 months to the day since Attrition (5h Churchill – Queen’s Kiss, by French Deputy) won the Group 1 Toorak Handicap, he captured his biggest pride to date in the Group 2 Hill Stakes worth Aus$2million.

The Mitchell Freedman-trained entire stepped up to nine and a half furlongs at Rosehill on Saturday, with regular Beau Mertens back aboard. Leading a furlong out, the bay dug deep to beat fellow Group 1 winner Kovalica by a neck, with another two lengths back to the favourite Royal Patronage (Wootton Bassett) in third.

“He has doubled his prizemoney in earnings today, so it is a huge thrill,” said the winning trainer. “We could have gone to the Coongy Cup at Caulfield next week but we decided to have a crack at the Hill Stakes and it's paid off. If he pulls up well, then we will possibly be back here for the (Listed $2m) Five Diamonds in a month's time.”

“He's been unbelievable for my career, this horse,” Mertens added. “For him to do that (today), first time stepping up to 1900m, just unbelievable. I'm just so happy for the horse, so happy for the team. This ownership group, they've stuck by me the whole time with him and I couldn't thank them enough.”

Bred by The Toorak Thoroughbred Breeding Trust, Attrition is owned by a group including Halo Racing Services and Ms DM Suss.