VILNIUS raced on Friday afternoon at Geelong and was in the winner’s circle at just his third career start. The 3 year old son of Russian Revolution jumped sharply from barrier 2 in the 1,530 metres event with Damian Lane aboard. A lack of speed early meant that Damian kept VILNIUS in a positive position, tucked away just behind the leader where he settled perfectly into a fluent rhythm throughout the early and mid-stages. Damian kept the gelding balanced around the turn and he continued to wait patiently on the rail before clear running became available. Once the opening appeared, VILNIUS took the run up the inside, sprinting for home in a very powerful effort to the post. It was a solid win from a progressive gelding who looks to be still learning.

VILNIUS was a 2022 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale purchase from the draft of Highgrove Stud. Being by Russian Revolution, he was named VILNIUS after the capital of Lithuania, a country which fought Russian occupation vigorously.

Congratulations to the winning VILNIUS owners Martin Ive, Rachel Ive, Philip Ward, Paramount Racing (Manager: Kathryn Wood), CGO Racing, P & S Glenney & S McKee Racing (Manager: Patti Glenney), Trent Hibbs, Michael Hibbs, Peter Aukstinaitis, Ray Aurisch.