Rockin’ Rupert is in the best form of his career for owner Wally Daly with city wins at Ascot and Belmont (2) so far this preparation.
The 5yo son of Geisel Park stallion Winning Rupert is on a hat-trick after collaring The Spruiker (I’m All The Talk) and then going clear by more than a length for Madi Derrick in the Swan Draught Hcp (1200m) last Saturday. “He can be a volcano at times but won with authority today,” co-trainer Sean Casey revealed.
“We’re learning all the time and have Angie Johnston, Julie Mitchell and Bonny Palise to thank for all their help behind the scenes. He’s a work in progress and we’ve had to be patient but he’s a good doer and only goes down to Ascot once a week to gallop. He works on the heavy sand at home in Bullsbrook and I think he can improve again and be worth his salt in open-class next season.”
Rockin’ Rupert and Madi Derrick are led back to scale by Julie Mitchell at Belmont / Photo: Western Racepix
He has also been a godsend for the stable following the death of Dom To Shoot (Shooting To Win) from colic in April. He had a huge following in the wake of a Group 1 victory in the Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot in December.
Jockey Madi Derrick has won 57 races this season and reckons half of them are for Sean and his son Jake. “He has some tricks up his sleeve but jumped well and travelled today,” she reported. “We got a lovely run through on the corner and, when it opened up, he kicked and was just too good for them.”
He’s the final foal from NZ-bred mare Love The Rock (Fastnet Rock) who won over 2040m at Moonee Valley. Her half-sister is the dam of Adelaide Group winner Rhythm To Spare (Pins).
Wally Daly (Yenrise P/L) bought Rockin’ Rupert for $40,000 at the 2020 Inglis Scone Yearling Sale and there have been 6 wins in 23 starts to date for earnings over $224,000.
He’s been a factor, along with Group winning mares Semana, Tintookie and Seonne, in propelling Winning Rupert to a career-best season in 2023-24. Only Playing God ($7.76 million) is faring better than Winning Rupert ($5.23 million) among local stallions available to WA broodmare owners come September.
Ascot trainer Simon Miller also has Winning Rupert 2yo filly Madhi Girl ready for a black-type breakthrough next season. She won an Ascot nursery in January and was last seen flying home from the tail of a capacity field to finish second in the RL Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m) at Pinjarra.
Winning Rupert (Written Tycoon) will stand for an introductory $8,800 (inc GST) service fee at Geisel Park alongside Aysar ($8,800), Manhattan Rain ($8,250) and All American ($4,400). For bookings or further information, contact stud manager Conor Dunlop on 0447 434 735.
