Neasham hoping rapid rise can deliver first Group 1 win
Fledgling trainer will saddle two runners at elite level on Golden Slipper card
It’s fair to say that Annabel Neasham’s rise in the Australian training ranks during the past 12 months is unprecedented.
In living memory there’s been no trainer that springs to mind who has managed to saddle not one, but two Group 1 runners on Golden Slipper Day in only their first season as a license holder.
Represented today by Mo’unga (Savabeel) in the Rosehill Guineas (Gr 1, 2000m) and Queen of Wizardry (Not A Single Doubt) in the Golden Slipper Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) itself, the 30-year-old remains level-headed about it all and says having the backing of racing and breeding powerhouse Aquis Farm, for whom both horses race, has been a major factor behind her rapid ascension in the sport.
“I’m just so lucky with the horses I have been given. There haven’t been many trainers that have been given the cattle I have and I’m very fortunate.
“You still have to train them, but I tell you what, if you have a smart horse there it makes it a hell of a lot easier,” Neasham said to ANZ Bloodstock News.
Aquis first recognised Neasham’s gift with racehorses when she was managing some of their own stock, including Dubious (Not A Single Doubt), during her tenure as assistant trainer for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace in the early days of their Sydney operation.
“Every single horse she speaks about, she knows inside-out and her drive and overwhelming enthusiastic approach is what really showed she could handle the pressure and had the right characteristics to carry on as a trainer,” said Aquis managing director Shane McGrath.
“She’s a likeable, hard worker that gets results and she will get her rewards. Everyone that she comes in contact with, you can just see when she starts talking about a horse her eyes light up and that smile comes up and it’s like it’s the only horse in her stable.
“Every horse is treated as an individual and she thinks about each one as if it’s the only one she’s putting a bridle on and that’s all you can ask for as an owner.”
Today, Neasham will put the bridle on several Aquis-owned horses, two of which are competing in the Group 1 features at Rosehill, including Queen of Wizardry in the $3.5 million Golden Slipper.
The daughter of Not A Single Doubt is part-owned by Loretta Fung and Sky Racing commentator and highly respected form analyst Lizzie Jelfs, who, like Aquis, saw something special about Neasham’s ability with horses well before now.
“My relationship struck up because of the role I once had deputising for David Hayes. We had common ground and are both very similar and passionate about what we do,” said Jelfs.
“I could see she had a lot of elements of myself with an amazing amount of confidence which I didn’t have. She has a real confidence in her ability and that’s one of her great assets and she’s a complete horse person.
“I always believed in her and thought she would be successful and I love seeing women do well.
Neasham enjoys being hands-on and, as her Warwick Farm stable grows, she continues to prioritise keeping as close an eye as possible on each of the 46 horses she has in work.
“I go through each horse with a fine tooth comb every week. It’s massive for me, their action. With advanced vet technology and treatments you can really help the horse’s action and there’s always a way you can improve an action even if you change your training methods. You need to treat them as an individual to keep them sound,” she said.
To be saddling her first Golden Slipper runner in only her first season of training is no mean feat but, she says, it was always an ambitious goal.
“I put it as an expectation of myself to get a two-year-old there. I started with ten horses and we have grown quickly and a lot of the team have grown in their roles and are doing a sensational job. The team behind me are great and just so passionate.”
While many are dreading the wet weather forecast for the meeting, Neasham is welcoming of the conditions for Queen of Wizardry.
“We are assuming she will handle it. I think she will, she’s bred to and worked very well in heavy this week.
“We are under no illusion she wants further but if it becomes a true test of stamina, we might see her surprise a bit. She’s drawn a good gate (4) and got a good jockey (John Allen) on board and the conditions will play in our favour.”
Win, lose or draw, her part-owner Lizzie Jelfs is just happy to be there.
“For me, it’s like a pinch-me moment. I don’t think I will ever be in this position again and I am very fortunate and grateful for it,” said Jelfs.
Realistically, Neasham’s better chance of snaring that elusive first Group winner is Mo’unga in today’s Rosehill Guineas.
The former Chris Waller-trained colt is having his third run for the stable and could not have been more impressive when runner-up to Lion’s Roar (Contributer) in the Randwick Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m) at his last start.
“Mo’unga has come to me with a big wrap. I’m so happy to get the horse there. Whether he handles the slop or not I’m not sure but he’s in good shape.
Like Queen of Wizardry, he carries the Aquis colours and a bright future on their roster at Canungra in Queensland will be assured should he win.
“Their (Aquis) direction has changed a bit and they are focused on racing quality colts and I’m lucky enough to train some of them and hopefully produce stallions for them. I enjoy that challenge.”
There’s no question Annabel Neasham is living up to her own high expectations. She won her first black-type race only last week with the Aquis-owned Equation (Press Statement) in the Canberra Guineas (Listed, 1400m) but now she wants to deliver them a Group 1.
“It would mean a huge amount if we could knock one off for Aquis to repay the faith and support they have put into us. To have our first Group 1 winner owned by them would be very special. Hopefully they can swim,” she laughed.