‘Elite’ Bella Nipotina conquers The Everest
Seven-year-old mare proves ultra-game to land newly crowned Group 1 on a huge day for Ciaron Maher
In what proved to be an unforgettable hour for Ciaron Maher, with the trainer scoring his second Caulfield Cup (Gr 1, 2400m) victory and first Everest (Gr 1, 1200m) win, in his first year with runners in the newly anointed Group 1.
In winning the lucrative slot race, Bella Nipotina (Pride Of Dubai) became the first mare to land Randwick’s $20 million extravaganza as she showed her customary class and bravery to gamely hold off numerous challengers to grab The Everest for her ownership group, which includes her breeder, Longwood Thoroughbred Farms’ Michael Christian, and slot holder TAB.
Already a three-time Group 1 winner heading in to Saturday’s contest, the seven-year-old mare had performed well in a pair of starts prior to this weekend’s success, running second in the Concorde Stakes (Gr 3, 1000m) first-up before a third placing in the Premiere Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m), being narrowly beaten in both.
Coming into Saturday’s Group 1 sprint, Bella Nipotina had the able assistance of usual partner Craig Williams in the saddle and was sent off a $9 chance in the 11-runner field, with the Randwick track rated a Soft5.
One of three runners in the race for her trainer, alongside eventual third Growing Empire (Zoustar) and I Am Me (I Am Invincible), who finished tenth, Bella Nipotina had drawn arguably the worst barrier of the trio in gate 12.
Upon jumping, Williams decided to go forward, with the pair leading the field for the opening stages of the race before then settling behind the three-year-olds Storm Boy (Justify) and Growing Empire.
Pushed up to make her challenge rounding the home bend, the daughter of Pride Of Dubai (Street Cry) had still not wrestled the lead back with just 200 metres left to race.
However, with Storm Boy beginning to tire, Bella Nipotina found an enormous amount under the urgings of her rider and, with Giga Kick (Scissor Kick) making his challenge down the inside of the track, the mare rallied to hold off that rival by 0.2 lengths.
The front pair finished a further 1.1 lengths ahead of Growing Empire in third place, with Golden Slipper (Gr 1, 1200m) winner Lady Of Camelot (Written Tycoon) just a further 0.1 lengths back in fourth.
Williams, who has now been aboard Bella Nipotina for three of her four Group 1 wins, was hugely proud of the mare post race.
“I couldn’t do it without the performance of Bella. We drew 12, we were hoping for more rain, but the track was to her liking and basically the plan was, Ciaron said, let’s just trust her,” the rider said.
“We might be a bit wide, but let’s not be negative, let’s be positive and let’s go forward.
“I’m very lucky I really know her. And going to the gates today, I said to Ciaron, she was just moving so well for her. Before I even gave her a pat and a cuddle, then she really takes off.”
Becoming the second seven-year-old to win the race after Nature Strip (Nicconi), Bella Nipotina joins an honour roll that includes Chris Waller’s former star sprinter, dual winner Redzel (Snitzel), now Widden Stud stallion Yes Yes Yes (Rubick), Classique Legend (Not A Single Doubt), Think About It (So You Think), and this year’s runner-up Giga Kick, who landed the contest in 2022.
Maher, who would later go on to win the Caulfield Cup, cut an elated figure after the race, and revealed he had plenty of confidence for a big run even after the barrier draw.
“You know, we thought she was in career-best form and she got her conditions to suit. We said at the barrier draw, she’s got an uncanny knack of running very well from any gate,” Maher said.
“Wide, inside, doesn’t matter. And yes, Craig, beautiful ride. You know, to have the balls to do that.
“I can’t thank my team enough. She trains up on the beach and she’s been at Bong Bong the last two weeks and just the whole team, it’s unbelievable.
“She’s a bit like me. She doesn’t like to miss out on a carnival. So, no, no, she’s a beautiful horse to train. And Michael Christensen and Tim Porter and his brothers and family, you know, what a thrill for them.
“She’s been elite for like five years. It’s unbelievable.”
Purchased for just $80,000 at Book 1 of the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale for Lindsay Park Racing, Andrew Williams Bloodstock, and Mt Hallowell Stud from the Rosemont stud draft, Bella Nipotina (7 m Pride Of Dubai – Bella Orfana by Star Witness) is the best of two winners out of Star Witness (Starcraft) mare Bella Orfana, herself a half-sister to Group winners Hallowell Belle (Starcraft) and Fuddle Dee Duddle (Red Ransom) from the family of Caulfield Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m) winner In Top Swing (Beautiful Crown).
Bella Orfana died earlier this year, with her final foal being a yearling filly by Trapeze Artist (Snitzel).