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| Sumita Pawar |
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The congregation is expected to support JJ Atkins while Shinzo may participate in The Everest. Unfortunately, Learning To Fly is unlikely to make an appearance during the spring carnival.
Tom Magnier, the head of Coolmore Australia, is elated after winning the English Derby with Auguste Rodin. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph on Monday, he discussed his plans for racing three exceptional two-year-olds.
JJ Atkins: A Chance To Shine
He announced that the colt is in good health after his win at Rosehill and will be participating in the Group one A$1 million JJ Atkins at Eagle Farm this weekend. Magnier expressed his satisfaction with Congregation's performance and noted that the horse that came in second in the race is highly regarded by trainer Chris Waller.
The congregation has now won two out of two starts and is a handsome colt with an impressive pedigree and a lot of potential for improvement. The colt's odds for the JJ Atkins are at A$8, with stablemate Tannhauser being the favorite at A$4.50. Waller, who also trains Golden Slipper winner Shinzo, announced that the outstanding colt will be returning to training this week.
Magnier's Love for Top Class Horses
Magnier expressed his openness to the idea of Shinzo being entered into The TAB Everest, a race with a prize of $15 million taking place on October 14 at Royal Randwick.
He stated that if Waller recommended it, he would not be against it. Magnier confirmed that Waller had already marked The Everest as a potential race for Shinzo. However, he acknowledged that there was still a long way to go before the race, and other horses like Kandinsky Abstract could also emerge as contenders. Magnier was impressed with Shinzo's progress, saying that the horse looked fantastic after returning to work. He also noted that if a Golden Slipper winner could win The Everest, it would be an amazing feat.
Learning To Fly was a promising racehorse, undefeated until a disastrous run in the Golden Slipper. She suffered severe interference, lost her rider and was injured. Her owners, including Magnier, were told she would never race again.
However, thanks to the staff at Randwick Equine Centre, Learning To Fly is on the road to recovery. While a spring carnival comeback is unlikely, Magnier hopes the filly will return to racing in the autumn. Magnier also spoke of the success of Auguste Rodin, who won the English Derby at Epsom Downs.
The victory marked a ninth Derby win for trainer Aidan O’Brien and Ballydoyle. Magnier described Auguste Rodin as a "special" horse.