Belmont Gold Cup winner set for Australian debut in G3 Easter Cup

- Kara Dixon

Exciting galloper Amade will make his much-anticipated return to racing on Saturday when he contests the Group 3 Easter Cup at Caulfield. The 2000m race will be his first start on Australian soil and debut for new trainer Phillip Stokes.

The seven-year-old gelding boasts an impressive on track record, winning eight of his thirteen career starts. His most notable triumph being the Group 2 Belmont Gold Cup in New York in 2019 for French trainer Alessandro Botti.

OTI’s General Manager Shayne Driscoll said that the team is excited to see the Irish-bred gelding feature in the Group 3 event.

“It has been a long journey since his thrilling win in the Group 2 Belmont Gold Cup at New York almost two years ago. Due to circumstances, we have taken a very patient approach with him.

“He’s a very talented galloper, and we saw his superb abilities in his French career. We are optimistic that he has the potential to find that form and compete at the top level here in Australia.

“It will be a thrill to see him race in the OTI colours this weekend for his partnership group,” Driscoll added.

Following his Group 2 win, Amade’s plans for a Melbourne Cup campaign were unfortunately halted after the gelding sustained a mild tendon injury. In a spate of bad luck, the gelding’s racing career was further delayed in 2020 by another untimely issue, this time in his pelvis.

OTI Racing elected to relocate Amade to Australia last year. Under the attentive care of Matthew Williams at his Warrnambool rehabilitation facility, Amade made a full recovery.

The seven-year-old gelding entered training at Phillip Stokes’ Pakenham base early this year. Stokes reported to owners that he is pleased with Amade’s progression and winning trial performance at Cranbourne earlier this month.

OTI wish Amade’s connections the best of luck for his Australian debut and racing career ahead!