Epsom Handicap Win for Theseo

Epsom Handicap Win for Theseo

Last week, horse racing fans had to deal with the disappointment of Triple Honour being withdrawn from the Epsom Handicap, but they were rewarded on Saturday as two horses from the same stable battled it out to win this spectacular Group 1 mile event. The crowd was on their feet at Randwick Racecourse, as the Epsom Handicap came to an electrifying and breathtaking end. Theseo had crossed the wire, and trainer Gai Waterhouse had her fifth Epsom Handicap in the bag.

Denise Martin is well known in the horse racing industry as a respected syndicator and racehorse owner. With magnificent horses such as Sebring connected to her, many were interested to see how her two entrants into the Epsom Handicap would do against the formidable line-up of contenders who had entered this racing event. But Martin definitely proved a point on Saturday, that it is not only the high priced horses that have a future in horse racing, but that sometimes there is hidden talent in those who are overlooked. Bank Robber was purchased by Denise Martin for $70 000 and Theseo had a price tag of $120 000. She then brought in Gai Waterhouse to train her horses, which has turned them into a powerhouse combination.

As the field of contenders entered the final stretch, it seemed that the race would be conquered by Bank Robber, who managed to get away from the field and take up the lead. Both Waterhouse and Martin would have been pleased no matter which one of their horses won, and were only hoping for good performances by both horses. To their surprise, Theseo began to break away from the field and started to catch up to his stable mate. It had come down to Theseo, ridden by Zac Purton and Bank Robber, with jockey Peter Robl on board. None of the other competitors were close enough to be a threat, and as Bank Robber fought to hold onto his position, Theseo was digging in deep to make it to the wire. Theseo proved to be the horse with the most determination, as he etched past Bank Robber to win the Epsom Handicap by a nose.

Waterhouse could barely contain her excitement over their first and second place finishes, and commented: "Isn't it great for racing to see two horses, purchased for little money and syndicated by Denise, run the quinella in the richest mile race of the Sydney spring carnival?" And it was great, a great performance by both horses. It seems that Martin and Waterhouse have once again gotten it right with two spectacular horses.