News

Mourinho in JRA Cup Upset

28th Sep 2013

Breednet - Mark Smith - Friday, 27 September 2013

Out of the winners circle in five starts since winning at Moonee Valley last year, the Peter Gelagotis-trained Mourinho again showed a liking for the track by winning Friday’s Group 3 JRA Cup (2040m).

The 6yo son of Oratorio (IRE) last tasted Group success as a 3yo in the Group 3 Tasmanian Derby.

Sent straight to the front by Craig Newitt, Mourinho held off the fast-finishing import Gris Caro (GB) by a long-neck.

A half-brother to Group 3 SAJC Sires’ Produce Stakes Molto Bene, Mourinho comes from the first of seven crops left by former Coolmore shuttler Oratorio (IRE) who now plies his trade in South Africa.

The triple Group 1 winning son of Danehill has sired seven stakes-winners from his time in Australia including the Group 1 winners Manawanui and Banchee.

Purchased for $36,000 out of the Little Wych draft at the 2009 Inglis Sydney Classic Yearling Sale, Mourinho is out of the Generous mare Benevolent who retired a maiden. She is a half-sister to five winners including Group III Rotorua Challenge winner Prieur Way (Star Way).

Benevolent has a yearling colt by Congrats (USA) entered for the 2014 Inglis Sydney Classic Yearling Sale and is due to foal to Magic Albert.