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 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 | ||
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
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