There were some serious bluebloods engaged in the 1000m maiden at Kembla on Thursday with victory going to Bert Vieira’s homebred colt by Pride of Dubai.
Trained by Gary Portelli, Long Weekend was quick to jump for Rachel King and raced on the pace before forging clear to win by three-quarters of a length over late closing $1.4million purchase Born a Warrior, a half-brother by I Am Invincible to Group I winner The Quarterdeck.
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They clocked a slick 56.12 seconds, which was not far outside of the course record 55.83 seconds.
The race favourite San Antonio, a three year-old half-brother by Snitzel to Group I winner Oohood, could finish only fourth.
Long Weekend is a half-brother to Group III winner I’m All the Talk and stakes-winner Straturbo being the fourth winner from Weekend Gossip, a half-sister by Hussonet (USA) to Group I winner Mentality.
Long Weekend has not had a foal since Long Weekend, but was covered last spring by Trapeze Artist.
Long Weekend is the fourth Australian winner this season for Coolmore’s Pride of Dubai, who stands at a fee of $38,500 this spring.
