Trainer Michelle Hagley and jockey Lucy Fiore have found the key to Desert Nymph and it’s paying off with wins on the first day of the season at Pinjarra and a runaway victory at Belmont on Saturday.

The daughter of Ridgeport Farm sire Rommel revelled in the atrocious conditions to clear out by three lengths in the WA Racing Hall Of Fame Inductee Haulpak Hcp (1200m) from Uncle Gerard (Alfred Nobel) and Patron Of Kings (King’s Troop).

“She was a headache but is paying us back now,” Hagley said.  “Lucy has worked her out and her raceday manners have improved.  She’s always shown ability and settling handy to the lead has made a difference.”

So has the addition of a Compression Hood with Ear Muffs.

Desert Nymph improved her strike-rate to 66% on heavy tracks before the Belmont meeting was abandoned due to an unsafe section of the track at the 1200m.  “She was travelling and didn’t dip once in the going,” Fiore reported.  “When I said ‘go’, she was already gone!

“We could have won by more.  She was idling and switched off when there was nothing else to beat.”

Desert Nymph was sold by Mogumber Park (as agent) for $16,000 at the 2021 Perth Magic Millions and the Bullsbrook nursery also sold her Safeguard half-brother for $32,000 at the 2023 Swan Valley Sale.

Named Safe Satyr, he won a Belmont 2yo race last month to give their dam Fairy Nymph (Equiano) a perfect start to her stud career.  She was a Murray Bridge winner for Ridgeport Farm principal Santo Guagliardo and is now owned by Pinjarra breeder Robbie Gardiner who has a 2yo filly from her by Choistar (Choisir).

Ridgeport Farm stands Rommel (Commands) for $6,600 alongside Ducimus (Snitzel) at $5,500.  Both fees (inc GST).  For bookings or more information, contact Marge Ojapold (0497 478 231), Grant Burns (0410 683 470), Steve Hoare (0409 987 970).