Winning Rupert mare Semana has been heavily backed in early betting for the G2 Golden Pendant (1400m) this Saturday at Rosehill.
The Ciaron Maher-trainee opened at $3 when Golden Pendant markets were released and she touched $2.45 before easing to $2.80. Former Perth Group 1 winner Amelia’s Jewel (Siyouni) is the current public-elect at $2.70.
Semana (5m Winning Rupert – Festivity by Nicconi) ran a beauty in defeat when beaten a length and change in the G1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick last month. She finished fourth in a red-hot field behind the Chris Waller-prepared trio of Via Sistina, Zougotcha and Fangirl.
“Another 110% effort,” jockey Dylan Gibbons said. “She’s just a length off the best horses we’ve got and I’m proud of her once again.”
Semana was a finalist for the 2023-24 ‘Queen Of The Autumn Award” conducted by the NSW Racehorse Owners’ Association. She had won the RL Magic Millions Cup (1400m) at the Gold Coast (pictured) in January and followed up in the G3 Triscay Stakes (1200m) at Randwick in February.
Lifted to the elite level in March, she was Group 1 placed in the Coolmore Classic (1500m) and Queen Of The Turf (1600m) won by Zougotcha (Zoustar) who was also named Queen Of The Autumn.
“It doesn’t matter what the track is, what the distance is or who rides her,” Maher claimed. “She’s a good horse and just keeps delivering.”
Semana was bred by G1G Breeding, David Murphy, David Warner, Joel Oliver, Simon Lamont and Dahlia Bloodstock using Winning Rupert over a half-sister to LR MVRC Atlantic Jewel Stakes (1200m) winner Merriest (Denman).
She 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 $1.49 million from 7 wins in 20 starts.
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.
