The Ed Bethell-trained newcomer Exminster became the fifth first-crop winner from 28 runners by Haunui Farm shuttler Ribchester when winning over 1400m at Redcar on Sunday.
Ridden by PJ McDonald, he tracked the leaders, was ridden over a furlong from home and went on to win by half a length from previous winner Truely Aclaimed, while there was the same distance to Euraquilo in third.
He is out of an Empire Maker sister to American Grade 2 winner Surya, who in turn produced the Grade 1 winner Aruna.
In a glittering career on the track, Ribchester won four Group One races and placed in a further six races at elite-level, on his way to being crowned Europe’s Champion Miler in 2016 and 2017.
The son of Iffraaj will shuttle to Haunui Farm’s Karaka property later this year, where he will stand for a fee of NZ$15,000+GST.
