From a 3-mile maiden win as a 5yo on debut at Oldcastle in Ireland to a three-length triumph in the $400,000 Brandt Grand Annual Steeplechase over 5500m at Warrnambool, it's been some journey for Rockstar Ronnie (IRE).
A record seventh Grand Annual for Ciaron Maher and a first for jockey Chris McCarthy, the 7yo son of Stowaway led for the greater part of the 5500m to defeat Police Camp (GB) (Lawman) by three and a half lengths Crosshill (Sholokhov) two and a quarter length back in third.
Training in partnership with David Eustice, Ciaron Maher said he was thrilled for McCarthy.
"He's worked for me for many years, and because Steve (Pateman) rides most of our jumpers, he thought he'd spread his wings a little bit.
"It’s unbelievable. The team have done a super job. I thought his preparation was derailed at Sandown when he melted in the mounting yard.
“It is great to win another Annual. It is unbelievable.
“There’s so much that goes into the preparation, and a lot of the guys in the ownership group are avid jumps supporters; you can see the tears of joy on their faces - Mike Symons and his crew and Gerry (Ryan) has had a big week – he is also in Suiter Boy.
“They bought this horse specifically for this race, and for it to come off is unbelievable.”
The winner of six of his 12 starts, when trained by Don Skelton in Ireland for Highclere Thoroughbreds, Rockstar Ronnie (IRE), advanced his record to seven wins, three seconds and a third from 15 starts with earnings of $304,636.
Bred by Ronnie O'Neill, Rockstar Ronnie is a son of the leading National Hunt stallion Stowaway (Slip Anchor). The Group II Great Voltigeur Stakes winner died the year Rockstar Ronnie was born.
Rockstar Ronnie’s dam Dimona was a 2-mile winner at Leopardstown for her owner/breeder, the Aga Khan.
A daughter of Alhaarth, Dimona is out of a half-sister to Group 1 Coronation Cup and Group 1 Hong Kong Vase winner and Epsom Derby and Irish Dery runner-up Daliapour from the Darshaan, Darazari, Darara, Rewilding, Dar Re Mi, Too Darn Hot (GB).
