Chris Waller lastly conquered one of many few remaining Group 1 races lacking from his trophy cupboard. Riff Rocket, ridden masterfully by James McDonald, stormed to victory within the 2024 Australian Derby outcomes, solidifying Waller’s place as a racing legend.
Riff Rocket accomplished the 2024 Rosehill Guineas – Australian Derby double with a slim win for the punters within the latter at Randwick. Picture: Steve Hart.
The victory marked a historic second, with Riff Rocket turning into solely the fourth horse to realize the coveted interstate Derby double (Victoria Derby & Australian Derby). He joins an elite firm alongside Dulcify, Mahogany, and the opposite most up-to-date Hitotsu (2021/22).
The American Pharoah gelding had been having fun with an outstanding lead-up to the Derby. Contemporary off wins in two of his three autumn begins, together with the Rosehill Guineas, he was primed for a robust displaying.
This time round, with McDonald again within the saddle after their profitable partnership within the VRC Derby final November, Riff Rocket thrived over the 2400m distance. McDonald executed an excellent experience, holding his place near the within and saving essential floor all through the race.
This technique proved decisive within the thrilling last stretch. Riff Rocket discovered the proper opening, surging previous the courageous frontrunner, Glad You Assume So (a shock $91 outsider skilled by John Sargent), and holding off the late cost by Ceolwulf.
Regardless of beginning because the favorite ($2.20), the victory wasn’t with out its challenges. Ceolwulf, skilled by Joe Pleasure, pressured Riff Rocket to work exhausting, mirroring their earlier encounter within the Rosehill Guineas the place Ceolwulf completed runner-up. Once more, Riff Rocket wouldn’t be denied.
Glad You Assume So, with a commendable on-pace efficiency, held on for a distant third place, finishing the Australian Derby trifecta.
This victory provides one other feather to Waller’s already spectacular cap, etching his identify even deeper in racing historical past as a 160-time Group 1 successful coach.
2024 Australian Derby Outcomes
| End | No. | Horse | Coach | Jockey | Margin | Bar. | Weight | Penalty | Beginning Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | RIFF ROCKET | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 8 | 56.5kg | $2.20F | |||
| 2 | 3 | CEOLWULF (NZ) | Joseph Pleasure | Blake Shinn | 0.34L | 4 | 56.5kg | $7 | ||
| 3 | 9 | GLAD YOU THINK SO | John Sargent | Ms Rachel King | 4.47L | 3 | 56.5kg | $91 | ||
| 4 | 2 | TOM KITTEN | James Cummings | Adam Hyeronimus | 5.13L | 2 | 56.5kg | $7 | ||
| 5 | 6 | IMMEDIACY (NZ) | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Younger | Luke Currie | 6.01L | 11 | 56.5kg | $10 | ||
| 6 | 4 | CAP FERRAT | Chris Waller | Nash Rawiller | 6.03L | 5 | 56.5kg | $14 | ||
| 7 | 7 | WYMARK (NZ) | Michael Freedman | Tommy Berry | 6.13L | 12 | 56.5kg | $6.50 | ||
| 8 | 8 | NOISY BOY | Todd Howlett | Jay Ford | 9.12L | 6 | 56.5kg | $31 | ||
| 9 | 5 | GANBARE | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tim Clark | 9.59L | 1 | 56.5kg | $21 | ||
| 10 | 10 | ADAGIO | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Regan Bayliss | 12.4L | 9 | 56.5kg | $81 | ||
| 11 | 11 | ZENMASTER | Craig Carmody | Chad Schofield | 24.66L | 7 | 56.5kg | $201 | ||
| 12 | 12 | HOOLIGAN TOMMY (NZ) | John Sargent | Jason Collett | 29.84L | 10 | 56.5kg | $61 | ||
Desk Credit score: Racing Australia.
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