Gr.1 glory - Monaco Consul a rising star

A horse who first caught Paul Moroney's eye at last year's Karaka sale - a bid of $100,000 securing him for owners the GG Syndicate (manager Gerard Peterson) and Owen Glenn - Monaco Consul was having only his fifth start and was so impressive winning by a soft 1.5 lengths.

 

Always well regarded by the stable, Monaco Consul broke his maiden at Ellerslie in late August - winning in such "sensational" style that plans were made to get him to Australia.

 

Unfortunately a hock injury prevented him making it over sooner but, settling in well when arriving last Tuesday, the bay took the trip in his stride - Michael Moroney very impressed by his professional attitude.

 

"He has been very relaxed here," he said - "I couldn't believe how much so, as he has not had a lot of racing."

 

Michael was on course to cheer Monaco Consul home, happy to see for himself that the horse was able to live up to the big opinion Paul has of him - "he told me he would win. And he said that he is our best horse since Xcellent - that's a big call but I think he might be right."

 

Jockey Jay Ford was also impressed. "I think he's a pretty good horse," he said. "He is still learning but when I asked him to go he lengthened and just reeled them in. He put the issue beyond doubt in three or four strides."

 

The stable have enjoyed great success in Sydney in recent years, the likes of Sarrera, Divine Rebel and Eskimo Queen performing with distinction in big races. It is great to add another Gr.1 trophy to the cabinet and now we look forward to the Melbourne Spring - Monaco Consul heading to the VRC Derby via the AAMI Vase at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate Day.

 

Bred in New Zealand by Windsor Park Stud, Monaco Consul is the first Gr.1 winner for the six times Gr.1 winning Sadler's WElls stallion High Chaparral. His dam is the unraced Star Way mare Argante, a half sister to the dual Gr.1 winner Military Plume.

 

We have already enjoyed great success with this family - Monaco Consul able to boast amongst his relations our Melbourne Cup champ Brew - as well as the big race winners Horlicks, General Nediym, Zip Zip Aray, Laelia, Sealegs, Interstellar, Solo Flyer, Niconero and Nicconi.