In a surprise move, slot-holder Greg Ingham of GPI Racing who is also a part-owner of Chautauqua, snapped up Invincible Star for his Everest slot.

 

Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Invincible Star has been to the races just five times but it has been a high-flying career at that.

 

Majority owner David Lilley chats to Everest Diaries about his plans for the super filly over the next few months:

 

Q: Could you tell us a bit more about your journey to the Everest and the partnership with GPI Racing?

A: Invincible Star won her first start at Flemington in a Group three event. Subsequently she was beaten in the Gr.1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (2017) at Flemington right on the wire by Gr.1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes’ winner Merchant Navy. Our girl was leading the entire race. That’s when we got very excited. But immediately after the race she developed an issue with her knees. We were very patient with her and sent her off for a spell.

 

In the meanwhile, Merchant Navy won at Royal Ascot. I went to see him race and support the Australian side.

Upon return she showed very good form. She filled out to be a well-developed mare.

She had some very impressive barrier trials.

 

She is best at a high cruising speed between the 1,000 and 1,200 meter mark.

 

That’s when the stable also got excited and the press started to lobby that she was definitely Everest class. However it was very late in the game and most of the slots were gone. But a couple of parties were keen.

The confidence of Gai and Adrian helped. In fact they led the discussions. And eventually we decided to partner with GPI Racing.

 

Q: And how did you come to own Invincible Star?

A: We are part of a very good syndicate which I manage as leading share holder.

When Gai and Adrian bought her at the Magic Million’s yearling sale, I knew straightaway she was going to be a wonderful horse. I decided then that that I wanted to manage her. I own a number of very good horses with them. I walked up to Adrian in the sale and expressed an interest.

The rest as they say is history.

 

Q: What do you do professionally?

A:  I have worked at Interflow for over 34 years. (Interflow is one of the biggest companies in the water works’ industry within the ANZ region). Racing is my social outlet. I am lucky to have a wife who shares my passion for racing and my daughter is getting very involved as well, recently. When I retire, I will have a lot more time to dedicate to racing.

 

Q: What are the plans for your star?

A: She faces Redzel in the Shorts, this weekend. There was an opportunity to go to Melbourne which we won’t be taking up. As a syndicate our inclination is to keep her racing. As long as she is healthy and fit, we definitely want to see her win many more races. I am sure eventually she will be an excellent mare prospect but for the moment we want to see her racing at this top level.

 

Q: Would you consider international invites?

A: My dream is to see her race at Royal Ascot. If were to be invited, and it makes sense then we are not opposed to racing her internationally.

 

Q: And what’s in your bucket list for her in terms of milestones?

A: Currently, we want her to win a Group One race. The Everest is not a Group One race, although it should be. We will see how she recovers after The Everest and then take her to Melbourne. She loves the tracks there and we hope to see her win again.

 

Q: Are there any contenders you are concerned about?

A: They are all excellent horses and very capable. However we have to respect a horse which has done it before and is currently showing good form. And that horse is Redzel.

 

Q: And how is Invincible Star doing?

A: She is quietly confident. We want her to have this opportunity as she has missed out on a few while she was ill.

 

Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretariatsworld.com