Patinack owner Nathan Tinkler has been in the spotlight both on and off the track in recent months.  Not all of the news has been positive but, in All Too Hard and Nechita, he has the best three year-old colt and filly in the land.

Nechita (3f Fastnet Rock – Artistique by Peintre Celebre) looked a class act when she swooped in the straight to win the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.  Her only setback in four outings was a last-start loss in the G1 Golden Rose in September.

Patinack trainer John Thompson declared Nechita the fastest horse he’s ever had.  “I’ve always thought she was a top-line sprinter,” he claimed.  “She is a good horse going forward and she can win more of these.”

Tinkler purchased Nechita for $130,000 at the 2011 Gold Coast Magic Millions.  She was bred by Jason Abrahams of Champion Thoroughbreds in partnership with Judy Somers and was offered for sale by Edinglassie Stud.

Nechita led home an appropriate quinella for reigning Australian champion Fastnet Rock in the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes.  The runner-up Jolie Bay is also by Fastnet Rock and she was coming off a G2 victory in the Roman Consul Stakes at Randwick.

Fastnet Rock retired to stand at Coolmore in 2005 and since then his service fee has risen from $55,000 to $220,000.  His 11th Group 1 winner is from the John O’Shea trained mare Artistique who won in town at Canterbury (2) and Randwick.

Artistique has foaled colts by Northern Meteor and Hinchinbrook in the last two years.  She is a half-sister to LR AJC Toy Show Hcp winners Chiming Lass (Bellotto) and Winona (Bluebird).

– Karl Patterson