AUSTRALIA’S breeding heartland is still abuzz after the stunning success of the outstanding mare Ortensia who covered herself her glory at the Dubai World Cup meeting with a blazing win in the $1m Group 2 Al Quoz Sprint (1000m) last night.

Where her companion Australians, heavyweights So You Think, Sepoy and Helmet were unable to make an impression, the daughter of Testa Rossa lifted green and gold spirits with her triumphant victory against in the desert oasis.

Trained by Paul Messara and ridden by Craig Williams, Ortensia was well back in the field up the straight course but was set alight approaching the 300m gathering in her rivals with a trademark burst of acceleration to post a comfortable win in the end.

“I knew she’d be strong late but it was just whether she had enough time… I’ve never jumped that high in my life (when she won),” an elated Messara said.

The win is a career highlight for Ortensia, already a Group 1 winner at home, as she makes her way to the UK for the Kings Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.

“She’s an incredible mare,” Vinery’s Peter Orton said.
“She has won stakes races in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, a Group 1 in Perth and she ran fifth to Rocket Man and Sacred Kingdom in the Hong Kong Sprint.  Her Dubai win is suitable recognition for her and she’s done with yet.   The Kings Stand is the ideal race for her – she deserve’s her chance.  She is as good now as she was as a 3yo” he added.

Ortensia’s Dubai win guarantees an enormous boost to her value as a broodmare, Orton says, and a major milestone for Stud resident Testa Rossa.
“Ortensia is the epitomy of Testa Rossa,” he commented.
“She is tough, sound, ultra competitave and has a desire to win races. It’s fantastic for Testa Rossa to have a major winner on such an important occasion as the Dubai World Cup meeting. He was the only Australian stallion to do that an that is something we are very proud of.”

Orton also praised the efforts of Paul Messara who has done a superb job with the mare since taking over the training duties from Tony Noonan.

“She has won all three races since Paul has had her including a Group 1 and now the Al Quoz,” Orton said.