Celestial Legend impressive in Group 2 win for Legend Racing

Legend Racing’s Celestial Legend served notice that he is ready for a step up to Group 1 company on Saturday with an impressive win in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes at Rosehill Gardens.

The son of Dundeel, who was a yearling purchase with owner Bon Ho, took up a midfield position under jockey Kerrin McEvoy and having been angled out at the 250 metre mark, found another gear to quicken past Encap for a two-length score. It was the second win of his brief career to date following a maiden victory at Rosehill as a two-year-old.

“From the first day I saw this colt, I loved him,” said trainer Les Bridge, celebrating his second Hobartville Stakes win 40 years on from his first. “He showed today the sort of ability he has shown us at home. He’s got a big future.

“This is a really good horse and in six months he’ll be three or four lengths better. Deep down I’ve felt the same as I felt with (The Everest winner) Classique Legend, this bloke is nearly as good.”

He added: “It means a great deal for me to win this race with Mr and Mrs Ho on the track, At my age, these things mean a lot to me.

“Mr Ho has been absolutely marvellous to me and I just hope this repays him a little bit.”

The Group 1 Randwick Guineas at Randwick in early March was identified as a potential target for Celestial Legend.

The 26th stakes winner for Dundeel, Celestial Legend was bred by Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd out of Sarraqa, a Snitzel daughter of the Group 1-winning South African mare National Colour. He was purchased by Avenue Bloodstock with Legend Racing for A$220,000 at the 2022 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.