VANESSI produced an impressive late finish at Eagle Farm on Saturday when charging home to claim victory in the final race on the card over 1,000 metres. Ridden by visiting NSW Champion Apprentice Siena Grima, VANESSI settled at the rear of the 7 horse field after drifting back in the early stages, finding herself around 10 lengths off the speed.

Travelling comfortably on the mare, Siena didn’t panic and began to edge closer approaching the turn, but for onlookers VANESSI still had plenty of ground to make up when the field straightened. The 5 year old daughter of Too Darn Hot (GB) was angled towards the centre of the track and VANESSI unleashed a sustained finishing burst in the straight. She continued to build momentum and as the leader began to tire inside the final 100 metres, VANESSI maintained a strong gallop to the line to take the prize.

It was a remarkable race to watch and the win was a credit to VANESSI’s determination. Siena was very complimentary about the mare’s efforts post race, commenting “they went very quick and she could only just keep up and stay in touch but when asked to quicken, she responded gamely…she did a super job”.

Congratulations to the winning VANESSI owners Phil Ward, Kathy Ward, Kerrie Tibbey, Vincent Ip, Jane Condon, David Grasso, Paramount Racing (Manager: Kathryn Wood), Felgate Holdings (Manager: Paul Felgate), Forever Fillies (Manager: Ashley Evans), Martin Ive, Rachel Ive, Jim Hepburn, Peter Aukstinaitis, CGO Racing Pty Ltd.