News

Kris Lees Tops Inglis Classic Race For Second Time

6th Feb 2016

Newcastle trainer Kris Lees captured his second Inglis Classic race victory today when his filly Twist Tops scored in the $250,000 black type event at Randwick.

A full field of 16 faced the starter and after Flash Fibian set a strong pace up front three fillies finished best at the end of the 1200m with Twist Tops holding off Soviet Secret and Can’t Find Snippy by half a length.

There were great scenes in the mounting yard with many first-time racehorse owners enjoying their winning experience with Twist Tops.

“It is great to win today for some great people so I really am excited. It is terrific for everyone involved,” Lees said.

Kris Lees won the Inglis Classic race in 2006 with Absolutelyfabulous and today’s win means he joins Gai Waterhouse and Gerald Ryan to win the race twice.

“It would be amazing if this filly was another Absolutelyfabulous, who earned nearly $1 million on the racetrack,” added Lees.

Twist Tops (Beneteau x Imtops) continues the strong record of fillies in the Restricted Listed Inglis Classic, with six fillies winning the race in the last seven years, including Lady Jivago, Peggy Jean, Cavalry Rose, Pane In The Glass and Chance Bye.

Bred by Shamus Award's breeder Bob Hannon, Twist Tops was passed-in short of her $70,000 reserve at last year’s Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, but netted $150,000 today for her connections including Hannon's son Dave and other part-owners Mrs I L Hannon, J S H Roberts, Mrs A T Pike, D M Adamo, M Braund, C A Ross, Mrs M J Ross, P R Melrose, Mrs K M Melrose, D S Neate, Mrs K L Neate, D J Murphy & T J Murphy.

Thanks to Inglis’ great partners Kris Lees received a set of Swarovski Optik EL 42 Swarovision binoculars valued at $3,000, plus jockey Tommy Berry and managing owner Dave Hannon received an exclusive piece of Antler Luggage valued at $544.

The 2016 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale will kick off at 6.00pm this evening at Inglis’ Newmarket Complex. 110 Lots will be auctioned tonight, and selling will start at 10.00am Sunday 7 and Monday 8 February.

The Inglis Classic Yearling Sale catalogue is available online at inglis.com.au and on the Inglis Sales iPad App.

The sale will be broadcast on Inglis Sale Day live, with Online Bidding and Make-An-Offer available for those buyers unable to attend the Newmarket complex during the three day sale.

Regular updates direct from the sale ring will be posted via @Inglis_Sales on Twitter and photos of today’s race and the sale will be made available on Inglis’ Facebook page InglisBloodstock