Redkirk Warrior Wins Sandown Stakes

Bought to win a Hong Kong Derby, rejuvenated gelding Redkirk Warrior (GB) may yet find success at the highest level if his co-trainer David Hayes is correct in his assessment.

A two time winner in the UK, before being sold to Hong Kong, six year-old Notnowcato gelding Redkirk Warrior proved a problem child in Hong Kong, but the comparative paradise of the Lindsay Park training centre has put the spring back in his step.

A good second at Moonee Valley last month in his first run in Australia, Redkirk Warrior impressed with that performance and was sent out favourite for the Group III MRC Sandown Stakes at 1500 metres.

He delivered for punters to score a long neck victory over Group I winner Stratum Star, his fourth win from nine starts.

"I believe he's a Group I horse," said co-trainer David Hayes, who prepares the handsome chestnut in partnership with his son Ben and Tom Dabernig.

"He's done enough now so we can look at the autumn with the Group I Australian Cup as his goal."

He is the fifth stakes-winner for Group I winner Notnowcato and is from unraced Selkirk mare Flag, who comes from a prolific Black Type family.