Class mare Rebel Bride returned from a winter spell as good as ever for a narrow victory in the Goodwood Quality (1100m) at Elwick on Sunday.

Rebel Bride (6m Telesto – Striking Sort by Blazing Sword) was ridden by Stephen Maskiell and held off Tasmanian Horse of the Year Geegees Blackflash by a neck.  “That was an excellent win,” trainer Leon Wells declared.  “She’s a good doer and there’s plenty of improvement to come.”

Wells also pointed out the mare was badly weighted having to meet Geegees Blackflash on equal terms with 60kg.  “She got to the front too early and then started to loaf.  That wasn’t Stephen’s fault – it was just the way the race was run.”

A Tasmanian product through-and-through, she was born and raised at Armidale Stud where her sire Telesto (Mr Prospector) stood until 2011.  Her dam Striking Sort died in May 2012 – her final foal Speedy Sort (Tough Speed) won a Devonport maiden in June.

Rebel Bride was bred by Paul Sholly and has won 11 races and $380,000 for owners Chris and Sharon Wickham.  Her immediate goal is the LR Newmarket Hcp (1200m) on November 20.

Wells will map out a program that will have the mare peaking for the G3 Bow Mistress Stakes in February.  She has won the last two editions of the State’s premier race for mares.

Armidale Stud stallions have dominated the Bow Mistress in recent years starting with Lady Lynette (Ladoni) in 2011.

REBEL GRABS GOODWOOD
Rebel Bride defeats Geegees Blackflash at Elwick

Photo / Peter Staples