O’Shea has last stakes win for Godolphin
Doncaster winner It’s Somewhat has produced a fighting finish to give retiring Godolphin trainer John O’Shea his final stakes win for the international organisation.
O’Shea finishes on Saturday night as Godolphin’s Australian victor after 500 winners, including 10 at Group One level.
However, few wins would have given O’Shea as much pleasure as when It’s Somewhat ($2.30) held on to beat Single Gaze ($6) by a half-neck in the Group Two Hollindale Stakes on the Gold Coast.
O’Shea was not there but Darren Beadman, who takes over as trainer on Sunday, said he was sure the win would have given the trainer a great thrill.
“He has taught me a lot of over the past couple of years and he has been a great friend to me. I really haven’t had a chance to absorb what has gone on this week but I realise there is a big challenge ahead,” Beadman said.
A Hall of Fame jockey Beadman got his trainer’s licence on Friday night and will be the interim trainer for at least the next few months.
“You might say I am a tad excited. But It’s Somewhat was a great way to finish one stint and start another,” he said.
It’s Somewhat will meet most of his Hollindale rivals in the Doomben Cup in a fortnight and looks on course to be the 11th horse to complete the double.
“Not many Doncaster winners come to the Gold Coast but it was a strong field. We gave him a trial after the Doncaster (on April 1) but there is no doubt the race will have been good for him,” Beadman said.
Winning jockey Tye Angland was also impressed with It’s Somewhat’s run.
“They came at us quickly after we were able to lead but to his credit we held them off,” he said.