Waller wins another Kingston Town Stakes – but not with the one you thought

Tom Walter - Saturday September 16

Resurgent galloper Libran gave Chris Waller his fourth consecutive Group III Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday.

Glyn Schofield pilots Libran to an upset win in the Group III Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) at Randwick. Photo: Steve Hart

Waller saddled up five runners in the $150,000 contest, including $2.90 favourite Life Less Ordinary and $5 chance Antonio Giuseppe, but it was $26 pop Libran which stole first prize in a stunning return to form.

Libran had endured a lean autumn carnival, culminating in the calamitous Sydney Cup which was sensationally abandoned on the home corner after fallen runner Almoonqith was unable to be removed from the track.

But Waller said Sydney's wet weather earlier this year was at the centre of Libran's decline in form – despite the gelding hailing from the United Kingdom.

"He just went missing in that wet Autumn. This time last year he was going good, in fact he missed the Spring but wet tracks cost him, he's on good tracks now, he's ridden patiently in a funny run race," Waller said

"They took off at the 500m as if there was no tomorrow. He was ridden patiently and came home with a barnstorming run.

"He ran a very good race first-up and his work since then has been good. Heard him tipped in the morning on radio so obviously he caught the eye of some good judges."

Antonio Giuseppe finished runner-up, 1-1/2 lengths astern of his less fancied stablemate, while Life Less Ordinary was a further half-length back in third – completing a Waller trifecta.

The result has seen Waller tighten his grip on the Group I Metropolitan (2400m) in two weeks' time, with the Kingston Town Stakes trio joining Up 'n' Rolling in the $750,000 event.

Rider Glyn Schofield finished the meeting with a Group double, with Libran's win following Alizee's triumph in the Group II Tea Rose Stakes (1400m).

 

Advertisment
More Reading...
Arkansaw Kid Brother Sells for $520,000
A well-related son of Harry Angel provided a late highlight in the final hour of the 2024 NZB Ready to Run Sale at Karaka on Thursday when he was knocked down to a $520,000 bid from bloodstock agent Morgan Carter.
Luberon Heads Cambridge Stud Saturday Charge
Lance Noble will attempt to add to a strong run of spring form for Cambridge Stud when he sends out five well-credentialled runners in Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s black and gold colours at Pukekohe on Saturday.
Sires With Winners - Thursday November 21
Here is the full list of 32 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Blockbuster Sale as NZB Ready to Run Records Tumble
Expectations were exceeded at Karaka with tremendous results witnessed across two days of selling at NZB’S 2024 Ready to Run Sale, confirming the demand for proven racetrack results and quality New Zealand-prepared horses.
$2,000 Gavelhouse Bargain Keeps on Winning!
The Grey Goose continued to belie her purchase price last start when recording her fifth win at Wingatui, bringing her career earnings to more than $225,000.
Magic Millions 2025 Magazine Online
The 2025 Magic Millions magazine is now online with a great mix of gallery images, editorial and vendor profilies.
$1.3million Snitzel Colt Ready to Fire on Debut for Te Akau
Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are confident they have the young firepower to make an early impression in the first of the black type features at Pukekohe Park on Saturday.
Cambridge Stud News
It’s been the spring that keeps giving for Cambridge Stud and it’s not over yet.
One to Watch – Hawkesbury
Castelvecchio has gone from nowhere to somewhere during the course of this spring with three stakes-winners putting his name in lights and he had a promising three year-old colt salute at Hawkesbury on Thursday that has now won two of three starts.
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.