Mad Darcey ran a shocker first-up at Hawkesbury earlier this month but there was no stopping the Winning Rupert mare at Randwick on Saturday.
“We walked away from Hawkesbury very disappointed but we came here with a bit of confidence,” trainer David Pfieffer confirmed after she sprinted through a gap in the straight to win the Midway Hcp (1200m) from French Ruler (Nicconi) and Pajanti (Pierro).
“She’s been working well, her coat is awesome and the bigger track with a bit of rain helped during the week. It all fell into place today and summer is the right time for her with all the carnival horses in the paddock.”
Mad Darcey is a 6yo daughter of Geisel Park stallion Winning Rupert that cost $15,000 at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale and has now earned over $242,000 for Pfieffer and Mad About Racing Syndicate. “It’s always a big thrill when she wins,” manager Shane Duff said. “She was a bargain buy and we’ve got a sensational group of owners who I’m sure are going to celebrate.”
She’s the final foal of G3 AJC Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) winner Miss Darcey (Hussonet). Second-dam Miss Bussell (Danzero) won a LR Widden Stakes (1000m) and third-dam Lurestina (Sir Tristram) a G1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie.
There’s a WA link going back another two generations to imported English mare Amelia (Wilwyn) who foaled 1969 LR Belgravia Stakes (1200m) winner Prince Of Babylon (King Of Babylon).
“Mad Darcey has an explosive turn of foot and when that gap appeared she shot through,” jockey Jason Collett explained. “I had to roar at the jockey on the inside (Ben Conrad on Conrad) who was trying to come off the fence and we got there first.” Stewards reported Conrad then remained badly held up over the final 200m and was not able to be tested.
Winning Rupert (Written Tycoon) is standing for an introductory $8,800 (inc GST) service fee at Geisel Park this year alongside Aysar ($8,800), Manhattan Rain ($8,250) and All American ($4,400). For bookings or further information, contact stud manager Conor Dunlop on 0447 434 735.