Imperatriz Salutes in William Reid Stakes Again

Mark Walker‘s champion mare Imperatriz cemented her legendary status by claiming a historic victory in the 2024 William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley.

William Reid Stakes 2024 winner Imperatriz

William Reid Stakes 2024 winner Imperatriz was good again bouncing back to successfully defend her title. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

This win marks her 10th Group 1 victory and a successful defence of her 2023 title.

The New Zealand star bounced back from a runner-up finish in the Newmarket Handicap under a hefty weight.

Returning to her beloved Moonee Valley track, where she remains undefeated, Imperatriz entered the 1200m William Reid as the clear favourite at an odds-on quote of $1.70.

Ridden expertly by Opie Bosson, Imperatriz settled comfortably midfield before launching a powerful move in the straight.

Despite a late surge by 70/1 roughie Johnny Rocker, Imperatriz’s class shone through as she crossed the finish line first.

“It’s a relief,” Walker admitted after the race, highlighting Imperatriz’s perfect Moonee Valley record (5-for-5).

This victory makes Imperatriz the seventh horse to win the William Reid Stakes twice and the fifth to achieve the Black Caviar Lightning – William Reid double in a single year.

“I’m glad she showed her true ability,” Bosson said, confident in Imperatriz’s future prospects.

With this dominant win, Imperatriz joins Apache Cat (2008-09) as the only back-to-back William Reid champions.

Black Caviar is the other latest two-time winner having saluted on non-consecutive years (2011, 2013).

Bosson also celebrated his 98th Group 1 victory, likely adding more to his tally with Imperatriz by his side.

2024 William Reid Stakes Results

Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price
1 5 IMPERATRIZ Mark Walker Opie Bosson 9 56.5kg $1.70F
2 4 JOHNNY ROCKER Nick Ryan Rhys McLeod 0.2L 10 58.5kg $71
3 7 I AM ME Ciaron Maher Ben Melham 2.2L 2 56.5kg $6.50
4 6 BELLA NIPOTINA Ciaron Maher John Allen 2.3L 3 56.5kg $5
5 2 THE INFERNO Cliff Brown Jake Noonan 3.3L 7 58.5kg $101
6 9 HYPOTHETICAL Anthony & Sam Freedman Michael Dee 3.7L 5 56.5kg $21
7 3 QUEMAN Shane & Cassie Oxlade Harry Coffey 4.2L 4 58.5kg $31
8 8 QUEEN OF THE BALL Michael Freedman Billy Egan 6.2L 6 56.5kg $101
9 1 THE ASTROLOGIST Leon & Troy Corstens Declan Bates 6.5L 8 58.5kg $51
10 10 CYLINDER James Cummings Beau Mertens 6.6L 1 56kg $9
11 KING’S GAMBIT Peter & Paul Snowden Jamie Mott 0

Table Credit: Racing Australia.


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