Rachel King has made history at Flemington on Saturday, becoming the first female jockey to secure victory in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m).
She made every post a winner aboard the Bjorn Baker-trained colt Ozzmosis ($16.00), allowing him to stride freely down the straight six-furlongs, leading his rivals along at a solid tempo.
Shinzo ($4.60) sat on the heels of the winner for the duration of the journey, while I Am Unstoppable ($6.00) mounted a late challenge under Blake Shinn, weaving a passage between some tiring horses.
It was to no avail, however, as Ozzmosis was off an gone with the prize, making him a very expensive colt in the making, following in the footsteps of his sire, Zoustar.
2023 Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes – Ozzmosis | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Rachel King
Bjorn Baker and a massive contingent of owners were on course at Flemington to celebrate the victory, and he spoke about his colt’s performance post-race, crediting King and his entire team.
“Unreal,” said Baker.
“I was here 12 years ago as co-trainer of Lion Tamer with my father and that is one reason I came to Australia. It is the lucky country and the greatest racing in the world.
“This horse has been outstanding from the first gallop he had.
“Darby Racing have been great supporters, they keep finding good ones.
“Massive result, this horse is a superstar.
“Rachel King… the harder you work, the luckier you get and she is a superstar, she’s done so much work, Paul Whitmore who rides this bloke every day, it’s a big team behind me and in this horse.”
It was an emotional Rachel King in the aftermath, soaking it all in trackside, speaking on what the moment meant to her.
“This is definitely top of the tree,” said King.
“It is unbelievable. I love coming down here and I’ve never really come down with a good a chance as him. It is a huge honour to stick with the horse.
“I can’t even describe it, Derby Day was the first day I ever rode at Flemington and it was down the straight, to be able to break my duck here at Flemington with a Group 1 winner is just unbelievable.
To do it for Bjorn and the team, he’s just my biggest supporter, especially these owners as well, I’m speechless.”
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