Horse Racing News Update: Exciting Run for Devoted at Flemington

In the latest horse racing news, owner Luke Fernie was thrilled with the performance of his six-year-old gelding, Devoted, at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne on Saturday. Fernie’s ambitious plans for the upcoming Ascot carnival in Western Australia have been given a significant boost following Devoted’s strong second-place finish behind Gentleman Roy in a 1410m handicap.

Devoted, previously trained by Grant and Alana Williams, was purchased by Fernie for $105,000 in an online sale in June. The horse, now under the care of the Hayes brothers’ training operation, started his racing journey in Western Australia, where he finished third in the Group 2 WA Guineas (1600m) three years ago. He went on to claim dual Listed wins in the Raconteur Stakes (1400m) and Belmont Guineas (1600m) before being transferred to Victoria.

“I was over the moon. Three deep is not ideal, but he was in a good rhythm. He seemed fluid enough. I was over the moon with him,” Fernie said.

The owner is now considering several options for Devoted in Melbourne, with a potential 1600m race in two weeks being one possibility. However, Fernie’s ultimate goal is to have the horse back in Western Australia for either the Railway or Goldrush races later this year.

Other Racing News

In other racing news, Fernie is eagerly anticipating the long-awaited return of the classy six-year-old Otheroneson, who is set to resume racing at Belmont on Saturday. The lightly raced son of Demerit has an impressive record of four wins and three seconds from eight starts but has been sidelined for two years. Fernie is hopeful that Otheroneson can make a successful comeback and potentially target the prestigious Railway race.

Additionally, Fernie revealed that the connections of the four-year-old Ripcord are set to ramp up their eastern states aspirations next month. Ripcord, who finished third in the Group 1 Winterbottom (1200m) and second in the Group 3 Gold Rush (1400m) last year, will have a trial on September 19 before potentially making his first start in either Melbourne or Sydney on October 5.

As the spring racing season approaches, horse racing enthusiasts can look forward to following the progress of these talented Western Australian-owned and trained horses as they chase success both locally and on the national stage.

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