OTI’s General Manager, Shayne Driscoll, counts down his Top 10 Memorable Moments across the 2023/24 Racing Season.
Number 8 – Memorable Sydney Group double
Two winners on the same day, anywhere in the world, is not easy (OTI achieved it 14 times in 2023/24). Two winners at the same meeting is tough (6 times in 2023/24). Two Group level winners on a Saturday Spring card in Sydney is memorable. Such was the occurrence in September when Athabascan and Cepheus lined up in their Group races, the G3 Colin Stephen Stakes and the G2 Shannon Stakes, respectively.
Athabascan was just starting to find his feet in Australia, having his second race preparation here for John O’Shea since his relocation from France. A win at double-figure odds three weeks earlier in the Listed Tattersalls Cup was a precursor his step up to G3 level here, and he repeated the dose courtesy of a Tom Sherry peach, last on the turn and weaving his way through the field. Athabascan would go on to run 2nd in the G1 Sydney Cup in the autumn and his upcoming spring preparation has him as one of OTI’s leading Melbourne Cup chances.
Athabascan wins Group 3 Colin Stephen Stakes.
Just over an hour later, Cepheus lined up in the G2 Shannon Stakes with Nash Rawiller on board and proved even more dominant, railing up from a midfield position to win running away. For Cepheus, this was the start of a most lucrative preparation for connections, but there will be more on that in the coming days. For now, enjoy the memory of a Group double at Rosehill on Saturday September 23.
Cepheus wins Group 2 Shannon Stakes
Did you know? OTI repeated this rare feat in June when Hezashocka and Warmonger both won Group races at Eagle Farm in June!
Read highlight Number 9 – Amade’s Adelaide Cup Adventure, here.
Read highlight Number 10 – Femminile Flies Late, here.
Stay tuned for highlight Number 7 tomorrow.