First Leg of the 2008 Global Sprint Challenge

Photo: Slickpix Photography

Cups King Bart Cummings almost made it a record eighth victory in the Group 1 Coolmore Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington with consistent sprinter Swick, however nothing was going to catch the Greg Eurell-trained Apache Cat, who pounced on his rivals with sheer brilliance.

Apache Cat’s jockey Corey Brown pulled him out of the pack with 200 metres to go, to take him to a neck victory over Swick and the Colin Davies-trained Stanzout, one-and-a-half-length away in third place.

“I didn’t want to hit the front too early because I’m still getting to know the horse, but he did it with ease…I like him,” said Brown.

Photo: Slickpix Photography

Eurell was absolutely delighted with the baldy-faced gelding’s performance and now needs to refocus on where he wants to take the horse.

“He runs so well fresh. I will send him to the Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley in two weeks time, and then we’ll take it from there,” said Eurell.

TAB $1.60 favourite, Gold Edition, ran a credible fourth, however it was later reported that she pulled up lame in the near fore leg. Trainer Ron Maund later announced the grand four-year-old mare would be retired immediately.

The Group 1 Coolmore Lightning Stakes kicks off the first leg of the Global Sprint Challenge, where Australian sprinters such as Choisir, Miss Andretti and Takeover Target have dominated the series in recent years.

Following the running of the first leg of the 2008 Global Sprint Challenge, the points table stands as follows:

Apache Cat 10
Swick 5
Stanzout 4
Gold Edition 3
Miss Finland 2
Magnus 1
Grand Duels 1
Ticklish 1
Eskaw 1
Bel Mar 1

2008 GLOBAL SPRINT CHALLENGE PROGRAM

Global Sprint Challenge Committee Members & Regional Media Contacts:

Newmarket
Michael Prosser
Director of Racing
Newmarket
+44 7802 844578
Michael.Prosser@jockeyclubracecourses.com

For more information about the series, please Click Here.