Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Gingerbread Man continued an impressive run of results through May with multiple winners across Australia, Malaysia and Hong Kong, although momentum was interrupted after Sunday’s Bunbury meeting was abandoned because of extreme weather. The Yarradale Stud stallion had six acceptances entered at Bunbury and looked set to add further success following a productive first half of the month.
The Yarradale resident has enjoyed one of his strongest recent periods with winners emerging across several racing jurisdictions.
Hong Kong based galloper Perfectday continued the run at Sha Tin on May 17 before Herault, Uxorious and Koondakaara delivered additional victories between May 20 and May 23.
Those results added to growing momentum for the sire whose progeny continue to perform strongly across multiple distances and conditions.
Herault continues rise with Belmont success
Herault delivered another impressive performance when claiming victory in the KBRC Handicap over 1400 metres at Belmont.
The three year old gelding completed consecutive victories for trainers Jason and Sarah Miller while continuing to justify high expectations.
The son of Gingerbread Man travelled prominently throughout before accelerating strongly under leading jockey Willie Pike despite carrying 60 kilograms.
“He’s an exciting work in progress and it was another top steer by Willie,” Miller said.
“He jumped cleanly and travelled beautifully on the speed before letting down impressively to score a strong victory under 60kg.”
Herault was bred by Alan Bansemer and sold for $50,000 at the 2024 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
He is both the first and most recent foal from Valtellina.
Valtellina is a half sister to Group race winner Alsephina, who captured the Group 3 La Trice Classic at Ascot before later winning the Group 2 Stocks Stakes at Moonee Valley.
The Gingerbread Man and Blackfriars cross continues to deliver strong results with a strike rate reported at 72 percent.
Among the standout performers from that cross is Mr Mt Walker, winner of nine races including two victories at Belmont.
Uxorious breaks through at Pinjarra
Another son of Gingerbread Man added to the tally when Uxorious broke through for maiden success at Pinjarra.
The three year old gelding won the Electrical Consultancy Maiden over 1300 metres at only his second race start.
According to Miller, the race unfolded perfectly from the beginning.
“He came straight across to find the rail and dictated before skipping away at the top of the straight,” Miller said.
“He put the race away early under a positive ride by Brayden Gaerth.”
Uxorious was bred by Warren Cowcher and carries pedigree depth through his maternal line.
His family includes eight individual black type winners descending from third dam Cherry Garden.
Among them is Grand Jardin, winner of the Listed R S Crawford Stakes.
Last Stylebender targets hat trick
Yarradale graduate Last Stylebender has also emerged as one of the stable stars during May.
The gelding recorded victories over 1000 metres at both Ascot and Belmont and now attempts to complete three consecutive wins when he races again at Belmont on June 3.
Trained by Mitch Pateman, Last Stylebender is by Darley shuttle stallion Harry Angel.
He is the first foal from Saturia, who was herself a winner at both Belmont and Pinjarra.
Yarradale retained an ownership share after Last Stylebender sold for $100,000 at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions sale.
Strong bloodlines continue to deliver
The pedigree behind Last Stylebender also provides further evidence of Yarradale’s depth of breeding success.
Saturia’s family includes three Group 1 winners capable of succeeding over longer distances.
Among them are Perth Cup winner Rocket Racer, AJC Oaks winner Starzaan and Flight Stakes winner Lotteria.
While weather disrupted Bunbury opportunities, Gingerbread Man’s recent results highlight why the stallion remains one of Western Australia’s most reliable sources of winners.