Today’s news story is written by Amélie Lemercier who is spending time with us during her Godolphin Flying Start externship. Amélie comes from Normandy, France and before commencing the Godolphin program, Amélie worked as a Marketing Assistant for His Highness the Aga Khan’s Studs.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of joining the Star Thoroughbreds team for an externship as part of the Godolphin Flying Start course. In addition to learning the ropes of syndication with Denise Martin and Emma Cully, I am lucky enough to attend the races and be part of the runners’ connections. My racing experience over the weekend was particularly enhanced by a quinella for the renowned purple and white stars silks at Kembla Grange on $1 million ‘Gong day when Chris Waller’s MR RECKLESS (IRE) and MANGIONE finished respectively first and second in race 3 on the card, the 2,000 meters Benchmark 78 Handicap.

MR RECKLESS (IRE) and MANGIONE both jumped out of the stalls very nicely and settled in the front of the field from the early stages and through the race. Upon the final turn, MANGIONE was asked by his jockey James McDonald and responded well from his outside position to take the lead of the race very easily in the home straight. MR RECKLESS (IRE) initially placed alongside the rail by his jockey Nash Rawiller changed line and followed his stablemate in the straight. The grey horse accelerated 100 meters before the final post with a decisive turn of foot, took the lead and won the race by a margin of 0.3 length in front of the brave MANGIONE.

Another major aspect of the day in addition to the success, was to meet the owners of the two runners and it was a great thrill to see the delighted winning horse connections after the race. Racing certainly wouldn’t be the same without passionate and dedicated owners who celebrate every single success on the track.

Congratulations to the winning MR RECKLESS (IRE) connections including our Star Thoroughbreds’ owners Paramount Racing (Manager: Kathryn Wood), Ray Aurisch, David McLeish, Raelene Glasgow, Margot Pearson, Dianne Handley.