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Fangirl emerged from the shadow of Anamoe and other top horses, taking on the role that only star weight-for-age gallopers have held. This happened when Fangirl won the first-ever A$5 million, Gr.1. King Charles III race over 1600m. The race featured a strong field of domestic milers, making it an exceptional afternoon of racing at Randwick.
Fangirl has emerged victorious in the re-branded George Main Stakes after coming second to Anamoe at Group One level three times. Ridden by James McDonald in the famous Ingham family cerise livery, Fangirl outpointed a top-class field that included multiple Group One winners Mr Brightside and Think It Over and overseas visitors Light Infantry Man and Buckaroo with exceptional European credentials.
Fangirl received the run of the race after jumping from barrier two, and with McDonald at his very best, Fangirl burst to the front halfway down the straight and never looked likely to be caught. Mr Brightside stayed on gamely over the closing stages but couldn't bridge a two-and-a-half length deficit, finishing second, while My Oberon (Ire) battled on well to claim third place.
“She’s quite funny, she’s hard to read at times because she can put in an odd gallop. Her form is great but [she] doesn’t really gallop that well. These two weeks have been unbelievable. She trialled with all those Everest horses and she probably could’ve almost got a slot after that trial, that’s how good she was going.
“She’s a really good horse, under certain conditions she’s pretty hard to beat … I’m so happy she’s reaping the rewards.”
Chris Waller was overwhelmed with emotion and felt compelled to express his gratitude towards the renowned Ingham family for their unwavering support.
“They have been [a great support],” he stated. “They are racing purists, they cope with the quiet days and they’ve been at the highest mountain. They never put any pressure on you, they just listen.”
When asked about the possibility of Fangirl competing in the W.S. Cox Plate, Waller didn't rule it out, saying that the decision will be made tomorrow. Fangirl's prize money of US$2,950,000 pushed her career earnings to US$7,133,565, with a record of seven wins and seven placings out of 21 starts. She dominated the King Charles III, finishing with a time of 1m33.79s, with a final 600m time of 33.45s. The official margins were Two-and-three-quarter lengths x Head.