Press Statement finished the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale with a bang on Tuesday before his 3yo filly Newsreader gave a promise of better things to come at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
Newsreader had won the $250,000 Magic Millions Maiden Plate (1200m) first-up on the Gold Coast last month and proved that was no fluke with an ears-pricked victory in the Vinery Stud Hcp (1200m).
Trained by John O’Shea for Champion Thoroughbreds, she did it the hard way camped three-wide facing the breeze off a solid tempo against older horses. Even so, that wasn’t enough to counter the class factor as she waltzed away to a clear winning margin.
“John has been putting the work into her and that was comfortable at the finish,” stable foreman Tom Charlton said. “She’s going the right way now.”
Jockey James McDonald agreed. “It’s been a perfect prep so far and the Gold Coast result was a confidence booster. She’s a stakes-quality filly.”
Newsreader (3f Press Statement – Thinking Of You by Thorn Park) was bred by Ron & Rod Dufficy in partnership with Rob DeCourcy and cost $170,000 from Yarraman Park at the 2019 Gold Coast Magic Millions Sale. Her dam was Group 1 placed in a Flight Stakes behind First Seal and Winx!
Press Statement was coming off a successful Inglis Classic Sale with a Book 1 average of $71,250 and he achieved even better figures at the Highway Sale returning a $78,333 average.
The Vinery sire’s Highway draft saw three yearlings catalogued in the final 10 lots of the last Session. The Press Statement – Exultation filly (Lot 801) was offered by Eureka Stud and, despite a thinning buying-bench, she attracted several willing bidders before trainer Bryce Hays had the final say at $120,000.
Hays purchased the half-sister to recent Sunshine Coast winner Headlander for his Ellerslie Lodge stables at Warwick Farm. “It was a long wait but was certainly was worth it,” Hays said. “She’s a quality physical and is a class act in her own right.”
Vinery finished the Classic Sale with turnover of $1.23 million at an average of $61,750. The clearance rate was 87%. The sale season continues at Inglis Melbourne Premier from February 28 to March 2 when Vinery offers 14 yearlings at Oaklands.
