LONGFORD thoroughbred trainer Ian Hay knows what it takes to win feature races with fillies and mares, having enjoyed success with Dragila that took all before her for two seasons culminating in three consecutive wins that set her apart from the rest in the 2003-4 season.
Dragila won the Newmarket Handicap, weight-for-age Tasmania Stakes and what is now the Group 3 Bow Mistress in succession before ending her racing career with a third in the Queen of the Turf (now the Vamos Stakes) on Launceston Cup Day.
In Launceston on Wednesday night Hay prepared another promising filly Monastroem to record an impressive win in a 3YO and Upwards Maiden Plate over 1200 metres.
She showed good early speed to land near the lead and when jockey David Pires asked her for the effort at the top of the straight she sped clear and had enough in reserve to hold out Evil Intent that flashed home from well back.
While winning a maiden is a far cry from the feats of Dragila, there was something special about the way Monastroem went about her task and Hay is confident the filly has a bright future.
“It’s always nice to win a race on Newmarket night because that’s a race I’ve had success in a few times,” Hay said.
Hay has won the Newmarket with Dragila, Better Morn and Lake Pillans.
“This filly might get there one day but in the meantime I’m just very pleased she’s been able to win her maiden.”
“We were able to secure her for not a lot of money at the Victorian Autumn yearling sale.
“I liked her breeding. She’s by Elvstroem, whose progeny were going very well at the time, and I liked that she is out of a Rory’s Jester mare (Crown Quest).”
“Her half-sister had won three races in Hong Kong for (trainer) John Size.
“She was also a big, strong type so I thought she was worth a punt,” Hay said.