It was only a few weeks ago that Darwin-based Jason Manning decided to retire the best horse he has ever trained, and naturally he was despondent.
Noir De Rue, a 10-year-old gelding by Blackfriars, farewelled racing after eight years when he finished 10th in the Darwin Cup on August 5.
Arriving from WA in 2021, Noir De Rue, in 76 career starts, raced 24 times for Manning for six wins and eight minor placings.
The recent form of five-year-old gelding Bon’s Pride and five-year-old mare Royal Signal has certainly lifted Manning’s spirits with the pair in action on Saturday at Darwin Turf Club.
When Noir De Rue made his final Fannie Bay appearance, Bon’s Pride and Royal Signal saluted on Cup Day.
Bon’s Pride won the $50,000 Magic Millions Top End Classic (1300m), while Royal Signal won first up over 1200m (0-58) after arriving from Victoria.
The stablemates, who will be ridden by Manning’s partner Vanessa Arnott this weekend, face stiff opposition over 1200m with Bon’s Pride and Royal Signal appearing at BM76 and Class 2 level.
“It was four months planning for the Magic Millions with Bon’s Pride coming out of the Darwin Magic Millions Tried Horse Sale last year,” Manning said.
“His two seconds before Cup Day were super – we thought he was a great chance and he delivered with 62kg.
“He gets a 4.5kg drop in weight on Saturday and although up in grade he’s fit and well, I’m expecting another forward showing.
“There’s only six runners, but it shapes as a competitive race and I think he’ll be hard to beat again.
“He’s had a couple of weeks in the paddock to freshen up, he’s bouncing and ready to go again.”
Ken King Thoroughbreds, based at Euroa, sent Royal Signal to the Top End after identifying her as a horse capable of having success on Cup Day.
“Royal Signal delivered, which was a great result for everybody,” Manning said.
“She performed creditably the other day when second over 1100m, which was an unsuitable distance.
“She’s back to the 1200m and will probably be hard to beat against Class 2 opposition.
“Yaki Ishi and Debating won’t be easy, they’re both last start winners.”
Yaki Ishi was second in the Magic Millions behind Bon’s Pride and Debating was second behind Royal Signal on Cup Day.
Meanwhile, Manning said that Noir De Rue has left him with a lifetime of memories.
“It took probably two weeks after the Darwin Cup before we decided to retire him,” he said.
“With his rating being so high there wasn’t a great deal of options in the off-season.
“He did a fantastic job for us, he was ultra consistent.
“He just got to a stage last preparation where he wasn’t too far off them, he just wasn’t winning.
“He was sound and happy, he’s now at home on the farm happily retired.”
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