A $22,000 Inglis Weanling Sale purchase from Yarraman Park, six-year-old Headwater gelding was a Stakes winner for the first time at Doomben on Saturday.

Surprisingly contesting Black Type racing for the first time in his career, it was first time lucky for the Annabel and Rob Archibald trained Manhood, who led throughout to win the Listed BRC Chief De Beers Stakes (1110m).

Second in his past two outings at Eagle Farm, the gelding crossed the road to Doomben and from the inside barrier, jockey Rachel King sent Manhood forward where he controlled the race throughout.

 

 

“We knew we’d be up on the pace, but when Economics missed the kick, I thought Rach might use her initiative and dig up and lead, and she rated him beautifully,” stated Annabel Archibald post-race.

“He’s a big horse, so he wouldn’t have known himself with 53 on his back, but he’s been a really consistent horse. I think that’s the first stakes race we’ve actually run him in.”

“For him to come here during the carnival and win a Stakes race is a credit to Todd (Pollard) and the team up here. They’ve prepared him beautifully.”

Bred by Pedrille Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Manhood was foaled and raised at Yarraman Park and is the second winner from three to race for the Lonhro mare My Miss Pedrille, a full sister to the G2 winner O’Lonhro from the family of champion sire I Am Invincible.

My Miss Pedrille had a filly last year by Brave Smash (Jpn).

Originally sold through the Yarraman Park Stud draft at the Inglis Australian Weanling Sale for $22,000, Manhood was then sold through Widden Stud’s Inglis Classic yearling sale draft to his former trainer Michael Costa Racing and agent Jamie Piggott for just $35,000.

With eight wins and twelve placed efforts under his belt, Manhood has earned connections just shy of $500,000 and now that he has broken through at stakes level, there is no reason to think he can’t continue.