Testa Rossa colt Murcielaga earned his connections a $50,000 bonus on debut in the Inglis Simon’s Waterfront 1200 at Warrnambool on Thursday.

Murcielaga (2c Testa Rossa – Zacushla by Zabeel) was a $220,000 buy from Holbrook Thoroughbreds at the 2011 Inglis Easter yearling sale.  The Mike Moroney trained colt made light work of his rivals on the final day of the Warrnambool carnival scooting away to score by three lengths.

Murcielaga is part-owned by former VRC Chairman Andrew Ramsden who also races last week’s G1 Sydney Cup winner Niwot.  His dam Zacushla won five races in Brisbane up to 2200m and she was also stakes placed at Eagle Farm.

Testa Rossa is in the mix for another Inglis bonus in Race 2 at Hawkesbury on Saturday.  His local filly Catseye Surprise is resuming from a 24 week spell for trainer Terry Croft.  She warmed up for a return to racing with a comfortable two-length trial win last month.

Vinery champion Testa Rossa is on the brink of another milestone this weekend.  He has sired 99 individual winners in Australia so far this season and they have claimed a total of 148 races.

Testa Rossa is firmly entrenched in the Top 10 on the Australian sires’ premiership with earnings over $4.52 million.  He will stand for a $33,000 (inc gst) service fee at Vinery in 2012.