First Group One for Fu-Peg Down Under

The supremely talented Haradasun (3c, Fusaichi Pegasus-Circles of Gold, by Marscay) claimed the first Group One event of his high-profile career when winning the time honoured Group One STC George Ryder Stakes over 1500m.

One of the outstanding weight-for-age contests on the Australian Racing Calendar, the George Ryder attracts the finest sprinter-milers in the country and witnessed the magnificent son of Fusaichi Pegasus step right up to the mark at his first assignment in the Harbour City. Restrained to the back of the six-horse field in a contest run at a muddling speed, Haradasun was angled to the outside of the pack turning in to the straight before racing passed his opposition to score ‘going away‘.

Connections of Haradasun left no doubt as to how they regard the first Australian Group One winner sired by Fusaichi Pegasus. “The best horse I have ever trained for sure,” was trainer Tony Vasil’s declaration after the contest.” Rider Glen Boss was similarly upbeat: “The race was at his mercy once we hit the top of the straight. He has unbelievable acceleration.”

The George Ryder proved to be the first time Boss had ridden Haradasun in a race and he will also partner the colt in the Group One AJC Doncaster Handicap over the Easter long weekend. A top-notch jockey who has been associated with a host of elite gallopers, the ace hoop added: “I have ridden many outstanding horses in the past and one champion [Makybe Diva]. He has their X-factor.”