Etymology Putting It All Together at Last

Mark Smith - Tuesday January 1

After breaking his maiden at Pakenham at his second start back in September 2015, Etymology took another 18 starts to win his second, which came at Moruya nearly three-years later.

In between time he was runner-up in the Group 1 Victoria Derby and Group 1 South Australia Derby.

Following his breakthrough win in a class 1 at Moruya, it took Etymology another 10 starts for his first metro win, which came with a four and three-quarter length romp over 2,500 metres at Flemington on December 22.


For the first time in life, the 6yo son of New Approach (IRE) made it back to back wins and it could not have been any more dominant. (photos Grant Courtney ). 

With Craig Williams in the saddle, the Godolphin homebred was in one race and the chasing pack in another as he speared away to five-length maiden stakes win in the Listed Bagot Hcp (2800m) at Flemington.

Berisha (Al Samer) came closest at the finish, and he was one and a quarter lengths ahead of Crafty Devil (Starcraft).

"We were confident coming out of his last emphatic win but I don't think you can ever go into a race and expect that sort of performance, Godolphin stable representative Kate Grimwade said."

"I wish we could put our finger on what's changed. He just seems to be loving his racing at the moment and he's a really exciting horse that is progressing in his later years.

"He loves Flemington and seems to be a real stayer so there are plenty of options there for him."

Etymology becomes the third stakes-winner for the imported Danehill mare Weaver Of Words following the Listed stakes-winners Whitlam (Elusive Quality) and Dirty (Hussonet).

All 11 of Weaver Of Words foals made it to the track and nine are winners.

Weaver Of Words was pensioned in 2016. Her final foal is a 3yo Street Boss (USA) filly named Ballad who was second at Wyong at her race debut on November 29 before finishing third at Hawkesbury a fortnight later.
Etymology becomes the 42nd stakes winner for Epsom Derby winner New Approach (IRE) who shuttled to Darley Stud for four seasons (2009-12).

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