Jockey Lachlan Neindorf celebrated a Group One milestone as he guided Zoustar mare Climbing High to the pair’s first Group One victory in the Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville.
After stepping slowly, Climbing Star, who carries the NZ suffix, settled near last in a strongly run race. The Phillip Stokes-trained four-year-old spotted the leaders in excess of ten lengths and was down on the inner of the track which jockeys had avoided for most of the day.
Neindorf didn’t panic and gambled on a rails run which he gratefully accepted as the majority of the field rolled out towards the middle of the track.
Climbing Star dashed into contention and narrowly defeated Learning To Fly who came deepest of all, with Benedetta back in third.
2024 Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes Replay – Climbing Star
It was the first success at the highest level for the twenty-two-year-old Neindorf and he was trying to remain calm immediately after the race, although the emotion of the moment was clearly playing out as he accepted congratulations from well-wishers.
“I’m trying to keep it together but it was a really good win,” Neindorf said.
“She stumbled at the start as I wanted to be a lot closer and from that point on, I just went bugger this, let’s go back to the inside and try and ride a race.
“We got the favours and here we are.
“A lot was going through my head and I was just trying to treat it like another race, thinking I’d cut my losses and run home into a place with even luck but this is very special.
“This is for everyone in the Stokes stable and for my family and everyone here.”
Stokes had been cautiously confident in the buildup regarding the chances of both his runners, with Stretan Angel also engaged and felt the outside barrier for Climbing Star might be to her advantage although those thoughts went out the window as the barriers opened.
“I thought the outside barrier may not be as bad the way the track was playing,” he said.
“She has been aimed at this, was third up and going super so we thought she would give a sight.
“When I was watching the race, I was thinking what is happening here as we were meant to be on the outer, but it is just great for Lachie to get the win.
“I’ve got some really good friends in this horse so it is a big thrill.
“She has just come of age and is starting to blossom and she has a big Spring ahead of her.”
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