Vow And Declare claims Group 3 Tattersall’s Cup at Eagle Farm
Former Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare has managed to outstay his rivals in the Group 3 Tattersall’s Cup (2400m) at Eagle Farm.
Having claimed the race in 2019 on his way to winning the Melbourne Cup five months later, the rising eight-year-old gelding from Danny O’Brien’s barn showed there is still plenty of life in his old legs, preventing stablemate Young Werther in a stirring battle.
Serpentine ($5.50) ensured the race was run at a genuine tempo throughout Saturday’s staying feature, and took up the running from Almarac ($7.50) and Spirit Ridge ($5.50), while Vow And Declare lobbed in the perfect position, one out, one back.
As the pressure went on approaching the home turn, race favourite Young Werther ($4) looked like he was going better than his stablemate, whilst fellow market fancy Knight’s Choice ($4.50) was in need of some clear air to be fighting out the finish.
However, with 200m to go, it looked like Young Werther had accounted for Vow And Declare, only for Billy Egan to lift Vow And Declare to a determined victory with Knight’s Choice flashing home late for third.
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The win handed Danny O’Brien his third win in the Group 3 Tattersall’s Cup, with Vow And Declare’s win in 2019 and Ballack’s win in 2008 making him the most successful trainer in the race over the last 20 years.
Stable rep Matt Harrington was clearly emotional following the win, emphasising how much the champion stayer means to O’Brien and his staff.
“It’s hard not to get emotional,” Harrington said.
“To think of a horse that won this race five years ago, to find a horse anywhere that’s actually been in a group race five years apart, let alone win it both times is just extraordinary.
“He just wants to be a racehorse, he just loves being around. He outlasted a lot of the staff. Liz who is strapping him now came up to Queensland five years ago and actually stayed with him and we didn’t get her back.
“Everyone loves him and it’s an amazing effort.”
Having been a bridesmaid in prior efforts, Saturday’s win was the first for Billy Egan on the 2019 Cup winner.
“He’s a champion. I’ve ridden him his last eight starts, second in Group 1’s, but this is actually my first victory aboard him.
“I’m absolutely rapt to ride a winner on a Melbourne Cup winner.
“He’s an out-and-out stayer.
“Since he got up here (Queensland), each run I see him in the mounting yard, his coat has improved and he was screaming out for the 2400m this preparation.”