News

Hurtle Myrtle back to her best in Sapphire Stakes

10th Apr 2011

Racenet - Clinton Payne - Saturday, 9 April 2011

Warwick Farm trainer Matthew Smith was the most relieved man at Randwick on Saturday after his stable star returned to form to win the Group II Yellowglen Sapphire Stakes (1200m).

Smith had endured a frustrating time with the talented four-year-old by Dane Shadow that had been struggling to recapture her best form this preparation after spending the previous year on the sidelines.

"If you combined the problems of every horse in my stable, she's still outdo them,” Smith said.

"It's great to have her back.”

Hurtle Myrtle is entered in next week's Inglis Australian Easter Broodmare Sale but Smith it would be likely that she would be withdrawn.

Hurtle Myrtle came from well back in the field to score over the Kim Waugh-trained Kimillsy with Marquardt finishing third.

"That was the first time I've ridden her and the first time I've ridden for Matthew Smith who had her in great order,” winning jockey Damien Oliver said."When I peeled off their backs I knew she'd be hard to beat.

"She quickened very nicely and ran right through the line.”

The win was just Hurtle Myrtle's second from 14 starts but took her career earnings past $270,000.