8 Jun 2024Almanzor’s progressive son Rise At Dawn returned to racing in a blaze of glory at Flemington.
Trained by Ben, JD and Will Hayes, the three-year-old was resuming over 1600 metres following an enforced break and he hung on grimly to win by the barest of margins in a driving finish.
“I thought he had got beaten so it’s nice the photo went our way this time,” Ben Hayes said.
“We had been hoping to get to a Derby with him, but he pulled up a bit sore after the Port Adelaide Guineas at Morphettville.
“He had freshened up really well and to come back and win a race at Flemington is fantastic.”
Rise At Dawn made the running and kicked well clear 300 metres from home and had enough in reserve to post the fourth win of his seven-start career.
“I rode him in his last jump-out and was pleased,” successful rider Celine Gaudray said.
“We got an easy lead and while he paddled the last bit, he’s done a great job.”
Bred by Monovale Holdings, Rise At Dawn was purchased by Lindsay Park for A$90,000 at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.
He is an older brother of this season’s G3 Taranaki 2YO Classic placegetter Kay’s Ruebe with their dam the Listed Newmarket Handicap winner and multiple Group 1 placegetter Kay’s Awake.