Lasqueti Spirit won the feature event, The Group One Victorian Oaks, while another Queenslander, Pepperano took out the 'Greys Only' race.
Lasqueti Spirit went into the 2500m Oaks as the rank outsider, a $101 chance, but
left them all in her wake, leading from barrier to box for a three and three
quarter length victory.Adding to the impressive win, the time was faster than last year's Oaks, which was won by Jameka, one of the fancied runners in this year's Melbourne Cup.
Lasqueti Spirit (Beneteau x Supriym Story) was bred by long-time breeder and owner, David Watkins, whose family has supported the Queensland industry for generations.
"A big congratulations to David, this is what every breeder dreams about," said TBQA President, Basil Nolan.
David is absolutely over the moon.
"I was watching and thought, he'd (jockey Brenton Avdulla) gone too early, but no, they knew what they were doing," laughed David.
"After all the lows with breeding, the heartache, the patience and the time, it's the highs like this that make it all worth it."
The filly was sold by Robyn Wise (as agent) at the 2015 Gold Coast Magic
Millions Sale for $150,000 to Rosehill trainer Lee Curtis and his clients Frank
and Christine Cook.
David has remained in contact with Lee to follow the progress of the filly and said the trainer always had a high opinion of her.
"I'm happier for Lee and the Cooks than I am for me," said David.
"I'm just thrilled, this is the dream, just to have a horse in the race yet alone win it."
David still owns the mare, she missed last season but was just recently covered by Aquis Farm's freshman sire, Spill the Beans.
Earlier in the day, Pepperano saluted for Queensland in the traditional 'Greys
Race', the Off The Track Subzero Hcp.Pepperano is by former Wattlebrae Stud sire, the ill-fated Court Command, and is trained by popular Brisbane trainer Liam Birchley.
Pepperano ran second in the 2015 Magic Millions 2yo Classic and Birchley will now set her for one of the races on the $10 million Magic Millions Raceday in January.
Mr Nolan said this is just another a great endorsement for the Queensland breeding industry.
"Every year Queensland is well represented in the Spring Carnival, and I have no doubt our horses will continue to impress on the national stage."
TBQA Release
