Trelawney Stud’s colours were prominent in black type events at Ellerslie on Boxing Day with three placings, but two of them came at a physical cost.
High-class mare Two Illicit (NZ) (Jimmy Choux) didn’t escape unscathed after her luckless run for third in the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) while the curtain has come down on gifted sprinter Vamos Bebe’s (I Am Invincible) career after she bled again when runner-up in the Listed Hallmark Stud Handicap (1200m).
Trelawney’s other stakes representative was Pareanui Bay (NZ) (Lonhro), who lost his unbeaten record when second in the Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m) but there was honour in defeat as he endured an interrupted run.
Trained by Roger James and Robert Wellwood, the Trelawney homebred Two Illicit ran into more than her share of trouble before rider Vinnie Colgan got her into clear air and the Jimmy Choux mare finished off generously.
“Two Illicit had no luck at all and we watched the replay and Vinnie was probably a bit naughty what he did to try and get her out,” Brent Taylor said.
“She got galloped on and lost a shoe, but I’m sure she will be fine. She did attack the line really well and we can’t take anything away from the horses that beat ours so well done to all of them.”
In the aftermath, Colgan admitted a charge of careless riding and was suspended up to and including January 11 and fined $500. A charge relating to whip use in consecutive strides over the concluding stages was adjourned.
The Jamie Richards-prepared Vamos Bebe had suffered her first bleeding attack 12 months ago when she won the Hallmark, only to be subsequently disqualified following an irregular post-race swab.
“Unfortunately, she bled again so she has been retired and probably why she buckled in the last little bit,” Taylor said.
“She had true ability, we know that, and she’s a magnificent type and a very well-bred mare. I’m sure she will express that ability through her foals.”
Vamos Bebe was purchased by bloodstock agent Paul Willetts on behalf of Trelawney for A$200,000 out of breeder Segenhoe Stud’s draft at the 2018 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
The daughter of I Am Invincible is a sister to the dual Group Three winner Holyfield, who furthered his record with victory at Randwick on Sunday, with their dam the Gr.1 Myer Classic (1600m) winner Hurtle Myrtle, who was also twice successful at Group Two level.
Vamos Bebe won three of her 10 starts with five minor placings also on her CV.
Meanwhile, the Tony Pike-trained Pareanui Bay was beaten but not bowed in the Uncle Remus after the the son of Lonhro had to contend with an outside gate.
He struck trouble on the turn and again 300 metres from home before winding up powerfully to run On The Bubbles to a neck.
“Pareanui Bay didn’t have a lot of luck in the running. The wide draw didn’t help, he got knocked over and then found the line really well, which was great,” Taylor said.
