Winning Rupert mare Semana has been named as one of the Finalists by the NSW Racehorse Owners’ Association for its ‘Queen Of The Autumn” Award in 2023-24.
Semana is a daughter of Geisel Park sire Winning Rupert and is one of five mares in that category ahead of the NSW Racing’s Night of Champions at Royal Randwick on Thursday, August 29. The others are Orchestral (Savabeel), Tutta La Vita (The Autumn Sun), Zardozi (Kingman) and Zougotcha (Zoustar).
Semana (pictured) won the RL Magic Millions Cup (1400m) at the Gold Coast in January and followed up in the G3 Triscay Stakes (1200m) at Randwick in February. Lifted to the elite level, she was then Group 1 placed in the Coolmore Classic (1500m), Queen Of The Turf (1600m) and Tatt’s Tiara (1400m).
“She just keeps delivering. It doesn’t matter what the track is, what the distance is, who rides her, she’s just a good horse,” trainer Ciaron Maher said after the Triscay Stakes. “We gave her a bit of time off after the Gold Coast. She was back in trip today and powered home for Jason (Collet).”
Semana was sold for $200,000 out of the Newgate Farm draft at the 2021 Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale. Purchased by James Bester Bloodstock and Vantage Thoroughbreds, she has now earned over $1.45 million from 7 wins in 19 starts.
She is the best of two winners from metro winning Nicconi mare Festivity. The dam is a half-sister to Listed MVRC Atlantic Jewel Stakes (1200m) winner Merriest (Denman) who is owned by WA-based couple Barry and Jan McRostie.
Semana was one of three Group winners by Winning Rupert last season. He was also represented by Seonee (G2 Queen of the South Stakes) and ill-fated mare Tintookie (G3 Wenona Girl Stakes)
Winning Rupert (Written Tycoon) will stand for an introductory $8,800 (inc GST) service fee at Geisel Park this year 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.
