On the back of claiming Group 3 glory at Randwick in the stewards room last time out, there was no doubt about Kintyre’s win in the Group 2 Queensland Guineas (1600m) at Eagle Farm.
The three-year-old gelding trained by Gary Portelli took his earnings to upwards of $700,000 with Saturday’s success, aided by a gun ride from young Cejay Graham.
The pair jumped cleanly enough from the barriers to take advantage of barrier two when landing the box seat throughout.
Kintyre (+800) was racing well within himself as he approached the home turn, and as Captain Fenkel (+4000) started to fade, Kintyre and eventual runner-up Razors (+1300) staked their claim with 300m to go.
In a back-and-forth tussle, it was Cejay Graham who stuck closer to the inside that got the better of Razors in a driving finish, with Press Link (+600) finishing off well into third.
It was all honours to Kintyre and connections, with the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) on the agenda, but not concreted into the plans.
2024 Group 2 Queensland Guineas Replay – Kintyre
The win handed Gary Portelli his first win in the race, and was quick to heap praise on Cejay Graham in the process, while pouring cold water on a potential QLD Derby tilt.
“I’ve been watching Cejay since I came up here, she rode a winner for me on Spaceboy and helped me out when we had Fireburn up here, so I wanted to repay her for helping me out.
“I put her on this horse in a Group 2, I told her not to be worried about going up the inside because it’s not inferior ground.
“He’s a tough horse and she rode him a treat.”
“He’ll go to the Rough Habit Plate in a fortnight’s time, I’m just a bit worried about him seeing out 2400m.
“I don’t want to ruin a nice horse because he’s got a big future. I’d love to have a crack at the Golden Eagle next prep.”
Following her first Group success as a jockey, Cejay Graham was left somewhat speechless post-race.
“It feels incredible, I don’t have the words to describe it really. To be given this opportunity was surreal, and to salute feels incredible,” Graham said.
“I didn’t think I would get these opportunities with the time I’ve had off, but to be back here and winning that race makes every bit of hard work worthwhile.”
“I couldn’t be more grateful to Gary and the owners.
“Gary has been such a big supporter of female jockeys for many years, and hopefully this will put me in good stead as I come out of my apprenticeship.”
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