Oxbridge delivers career-best to win Summer Scorcher for Sheehy
In a fairytale outcome for Albany trainer Stephen Sheehy, Oxbridge produced a career-best performance to claim the Listed Summer Scorcher at Ascot on New Year’s Day.
Starting at $16 with Picklebet, the eight-year-old gelding surged past the hot favourite Bopping Blue to secure his 13th career win and Sheehy’s first metropolitan and Group-rated victory.
Jockey Holly Watson delivered a tactically brilliant ride, positioning Oxbridge just behind the leaders in the early stages.
Bopping Blue set a blistering pace, but Watson timed her run perfectly, launching Oxbridge down the straight to reel in the bookmaker favourite in the final strides.
The 8-year-old gelding crossed the line in 57.34 seconds, edging out Bopping Blue by a short neck, with Norwich finishing third, 1.58 lengths adrift.
2025 Summer Scorcher replay – Oxbridge
Watson praised the gelding’s grit and determination post-race.
“He gave me a great feel. I knew Bopping Blue was the one to beat, but we got a perfect run just behind the speed, and he just kept finding all the way to the line,” she said.
For Sheehy, the victory was a dream come true.
“This horse is more than a runner to me—he’s a mate,” Sheehy said.
“We knew he had the form, running 1:03 over 1100m at Albany last start with 60.5kg, so we thought, ‘Why not give him a shot on the big stage?’ It’s incredible to win a race like this with such a small team back home.”
The win marks a major milestone for the former jockey turned trainer, who manages just three horses in his stable.
“This is my first metro winner and my first Listed win. It’s a huge thrill, and I couldn’t be prouder of this horse and the team behind him,” Sheehy added.
Bopping Blue, the $1.85 BlondeBet favourite, set a cracking pace but couldn’t withstand Oxbridge’s late charge. Norwich ran a strong race to claim third, while Ghost Who Walks rounded out the top four.
With this win, Oxbridge has now accumulated $342,308 in career earnings. Sheehy plans to give the gelding a short spell before targeting the Bluff Knoll Cup back in Albany.
The Summer Scorcher proved to be an unforgettable day for Sheehy, Watson, and the great southern racing community, showcasing the magic of racing where a longshot from a small stable can triumph on the big stage.
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