The six-year-old racehorse Jimmysstar secured a significant victory at the $3 million Russell Balding Stakes held at Randwick on Saturday, October 14, 2023. This win elevated his career earnings beyond $7.7 million, marking a successful return to the track following a commendable third-place finish in the prestigious $20 million Everest just two weeks prior.
Jimmysstar, the $2.50 TAB favourite for the sprint, showcased his speed and agility under jockey Ethan Brown. Positioned strategically in the midfield from gate two, he executed a powerful run to find clear space near the 300-metre mark. By the 150-metre point, Jimmysstar had overtaken the leader Mazu, ultimately finishing with a decisive margin of 2¾ lengths over Lady Shenandoah.
The victory brought Jimmysstar a first-place prize of $1.725 million, alongside $1.7 million in bonuses, culminating in a remarkable total of $3.425 million. In addition to this victory, Jimmysstar earned $1 million for dominating the Sydney spring carnival sprint series and $700,000 for his top-three finish in the Russell Balding Stakes.
Assistant trainer Johann Gerard-Dubord expressed optimism about Jimmysstar’s future racing opportunities following Saturday’s triumph. He mentioned that options such as the Group 1 Champions Sprint at Flemington, scheduled for the following Saturday, are being considered.
“His run in the Everest was huge, and after such a tough run, coming back here two weeks later on that track and just doing it again, that’s all credit to him,” said Gerard-Dubord. “That’s well deserved because he was winless this prep, but he could have won his last two with more luck.”
As the team evaluates Jimmysstar’s recovery from his recent races, they remain hopeful for additional successes in the upcoming spring racing events. “Everything’s on the table; we’ll just see how he pulls up first. He’s had two big runs in the space of two weeks, but he’ll tell us,” Gerard-Dubord added.
Jimmysstar’s performance has not only elevated his status within the racing community but also highlighted the capabilities of the Ciaron Maher stable, reinforcing their competitive edge as they navigate the remainder of the spring racing season.
