In the Mood for Romance – Turnbull Stakes Day Review

Gold Trip wins the 2023 Turnbull Stakes

Though it was not the most exciting race meeting, I decided to attend Turnbull Stakes Day at Flemington last Saturday, ostensibly to see the hyped Hong Kong runner Romantic Warrior.

I also wanted to remember my photographer friend George who had  passed away suddenly on 3rd October 2023.

He was an amiable soul with a mischievous sense of humour – one of the good guys - and an excellent photographer who will be greatly  missed.

You can check out his horse racing photos on this Facebook page.

I’m sure if George was still with us he would have attended the Turnbull Stakes, as he was always interested in the unusual or quirky side of the sport and would probably have attended to see Romantic Warrior.

Anyway, back to my afternoon at the races, I arrived at the track around 2.00 pm and headed to the stalls area to see if I could get a photo of Romantic Warrior. He wasn’t in his stall (no 86), but I caught sight of him walking around the parade ring, and noted that he looked a classy animal.

In the Stall 87, was the English horse West Wind Blows.

West Wind Blows

I hung around a bit and eventually Romantic Warrior was brought back to his stall.

Romantic Warrior

After visiting the stalls area I headed back trackside to practice photography on Race 5, the Danehill Stakes, a Group 2 event run over 1,000 metres.

Archo Nacho was the starting favourite, but he finished unplaced, a narrow victory going to 3 year old filly Stretan Angel who outgunned second favourite I Am Unstoppable.

Stretan Angel wins the Danehill Stakes

I Am Unstoppable

The afternoon was overcast for the main and the rail was out by 9 metres, so I’m surprised my photos turned out better than I imagined they would.

Race 6. the Group 2 Rose of Kingston Stakes was one for the mares and run over 1400 metres.  American mare Princess Grace was the favourite, but she was beaten by Life Lessons, and Wrote to Arataki ran third, the first three home all racing on the pace.

Life Lessons wins the Rose of Kingston Stakes from Princess Grace

Life Lessons on her way to the barriers

Princess Grace on her way to the barriers

Wrote to Arataki on her way to the barriers

The Bart Cummings, a race over 2520 metres, was of interest due to the winner being exempt from ballot for the Melbourne Cup.

A huge field of 16 runners were competing in the event, with First Immortal being the starting favourite, but he was relegated to second by the winner Future History. Serpentine finished third.

Future History wins the Bart Cummings from First Immortal

Future History returns to scale

The feature Group 1 race, the Turnbull Stakes (2000 metres) was the next to run. It has been won in the past by first class horses, notably by  Winx in 2017 and 2018. Verry Elleegant won in 2020. Last year Smokin’ Romans won the money.

This year’s edition had a classy field and Romantic Warrior was the warm favourite. However, last year’s Melbourne Cup winner, Gold Trip, who raced towards the back of the field zoomed up the straight and outclassed all and sundry to win by 1.75 metres from West Wind Blows and Soulcombe. Romantic Warrior managed to run fourth, his colours somewhat lowered.

Gold Trip on his way to the barriers

West Wind Blows on his way to the barriers

Soulcombe on his way to the barriers

Romantic Warrior on his way to the barriers – thankfully a reasonable photo

With the Turnbull Stakes done and dusted I headed home, not staying for the Gilgai Stakes which was won by Star Patrol.

Next Saturday is Caulfield Guineas Day which features three Group 1 races – Caulfield Guineas, Toorak Handicap (starring Amelia’s Jewel) and the Might and Power – a much more interesting race meeting than last Saturday’s offerings.