It would be hard to find a more popular winner in New Zealand these times than Who Shot Thebarman, who raced to victory in the Group 1 $500,000 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup at Ellerslie on Wednesday.
Who Shot The Barman was backed into hot favouritism on the strength of a runaway win in the Group 2 Go Racing Syndications Avondale Cup and he was cheered to victory over the Sydney visitor Celtic Prince by not only punters but owners, the four O’Leary brothers, Dan, Shaun, Michael and Humphrey, and a huge support group.
The victory dais was overflowing with the O’Leary clan as they celebrated a remarkable win by a horse that 12 months ago hadn’t even been to the trials let alone the races.
Who Shot Thebarman, a son of Yamanin Vital bought privately from White Robe Lodge by the O’Leary brothers, made a winning debut at Trentham last April and was having just his ninth start when he landed New Zealand’s richest staying prize. And he did it in the manner of a horse with an exciting future as a stayer.
Rider Matt Cameron had Who Shot Thebarman handy in the initial stages as Skysoblue took the lead and when rivals shuffled for positions the winner drifted off the pace.,
With a round to go Leith Innes took advantage of the slow pace to make a move from back in the field on Annie Higgins to sweep up to challenge Skysoblue in front and take over with 1600 metres to run. The pair then drew clear and at that stage Who Shot Thebarman was eighth on the outer.
Cameron put Who Shot Thebarman in contention turning for home, cut the corner, and the Awapuni stayer strode to the front. Then with 200 metres to run the Bjorn Baker-trained Celtic Prince emerged down the outside with a likely bid.
It may have been a worrying time for the O’Leary boys and trainer Mark Oulaghan, but Cameron was still confident of landing his first Auckland Cup. “When he caught sight of the other horse he kicked again,” said Cameron. “It was the same as he did in the Avondale Cup.
“It’s a privilege to ride a horse like him that can sprint away at the end of two miles. I’ve won the Wellington Cup (on Willy Smith) when it was two miles, but winning this is better. He’s the best stayer I’ve ridden.”
Celtic Prince gave his connections a thrill when holding on for second, a length behind Who Shot Thebarman and two and a quarter lengths clear of third-placed More Than Sacred, who produced a huge late run to come from well back in the field. Travolta, the other Aussie visitor, did well for fourth under his topweight of 59kg with the South Islander Black Stockings finishing fifth.
The day belonged to Who Shot Thebarman and a superb training performance from the quietly spoken and humble Oulaghan, who took the win in his stride.
Oulaghan has enjoyed many highlights as a trainer, particularly with his jumpers, but he was quick to acknowledge today’s win as his greatest highlight.
“It’s the best flat race in the country,” said Oulaghan.
Who Shot Thebarman holds a nomination for the Gr. 1 Sydney Cup next month and Oulaghan was asked if he would press ahead with that mission. “I guess we’ll have to look at it,” he replied.
– The Informant
