3 minute read

Waller-trained Conqueror wins on debut

The Chris Waller-trained Robusto became the first Australian-bred winner for Coolmore Stud shuttler Churchill (Galileo) when he won at Warwick Farm last Wednesday and his stable mate, Conqueror (2 c ex Dixie Chick by Star Witness), became the second winner for the sire when he broke his maiden at Randwick on Wednesday. 

Having his first career start, the Star Thoroughbreds raced Conqueror was towards the rear of the field at the home turn and showed a good turn of foot in the straight, making his run along the rail, to beat Seven Veils by a long neck in the Schweppes Maiden Plate (1100m). 

"It was a really good debut, a great ride by Hugh Bowman and he was strong late," said stable representative Damien Fitton.

"He's a very professional colt and another good winner for Churchill. All the Churchill's we have are precocious and have a great temperament."

Hugh Bowman was pleased with the effort of Conqueror, who holds an entry for the ATC Sires Produce Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) on April 2.

"We had the luxury of barrier one, which is a huge asset in these types of races, but the acceleration he showed was well above midweek grade and his sire Churchill is off to a great start in Australia," Bowman said.

Bred by Howard Blight, Conqueror was bought by Star Thoroughbreds and Randwick Bloodstock Agency for $180,000 at last year's Inglis Classic Yearling Sale when offered by Byerley Stud.

Churchill produced 28 winners from his first European-bred crop headed by the stakes winning trio Ladies Church, Vadeni and Snaffles. His fee this year at Coolmore Stud in County Tipperary is advertised at €25,000. He covered a book of 160 mares at Coolmore Australia last season and has five lots catalogued for the forthcoming Inglis Premier Yearling Sale. 

#Churchill looks to be conquering Sydney as Conqueror becomes his second Sydney winner in a week following on from Robusto's victory, with both trained by @cwallerracing.

Bred by H & J Blight, Conqueror was a $180,000 @inglis_sales Classic purchase for @StarTbreds & @RBloodstock https://t.co/f76kjMDA7D pic.twitter.com/vjTS24ARI5

— Coolmore Australia (@CoolmoreAus) February 16, 2022