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| Staff Writer |
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Irishman Kieran Cotter is all set to make his first-ever international raid next week with complete confidence. He will take the reins of the star filly Matilda Picotte in the Gr. 2 Saudi National Bank 1351 Turf Sprint, scheduled for 24th February, Saudi Cup night.
Last season, the filly born from Sioux Nation bloomed into a top-notch 3YO. She finished third in the prestigious Gr. 1 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and managed to clinch victories in the Gr. 3 Sceptre Stakes and G2 Challenge Stakes on her last outing in October. Although it has been 135 days since her last race, Cotter is confident that he has prepared her well for the upcoming 1351 Turf Sprint.
"She had a busy 3YO season, so we've given her a nice break over the winter so far, but she's 100 percent tuned up for this. You can't turn up to a race like this and only be 95 percent," Cotter said.
"What she has done for us is immeasurable, to be honest. To say you've been involved with a superstar, which she is to us, is very special.
"She's brought us to a place we could never have dreamed of going; it's mind-boggling. As for the race, she has a huge chance. With the greatest respect for all the well-regarded challengers in the race, our filly couldn't give a hoot about them! It's great to know that we've got a horse who will give 100 per cent, and you can't ask for much more."
After spending some time as a jump jockey in England, Cotter involved himself in horse handling while working in construction in Ireland at the beginning of the 21st century. However, in 2007, when the Irish property market crashed, Cotter had to shift his attention towards his equine business companions.
"I've been involved in horses all my life," he explained. "I was involved in the building game, and when things were going well, I made a bit of money and built my gallops, but then the crash came. We lost a lot in those years, and most of what I had left was the horses, so that's where I focused."
With Cotter's stock on the rise after that, owner Thomas McGrath, now one of a small group of shareholders in Matilde Picotte, was looking to have horses at his yard on the Laois-Kildare border.
"Thomas sent me a horse training in another yard, and I told him to take it away. He couldn't believe I wouldn't have it, given we only had about six horses in training, but we needed some quality, and I told Thomas we'd go and find him a horse," said Cotter.
"I got him a nice Dragon Pulse yearling, Rhythm Of Zain, who went on to win three nurseries. So, Thomas asked me to buy another one, which was Matilda.
"The very first day she came into the yard, I rode a piece of work on her, and I had to pull back. The natural talent was there right from the word go. I couldn't tell quite how good she might be from her homework, as she doesn't fully come alive until she gets to the track. The switch flicks when she sees a jockey, and she turns into a different beast."
Last season, Matilda Picotte grabbed the racing world's attention, including some prominent owners. According to Cotter, he still considers himself fortunate to have the horse under his care.
"There are around ten who own shares in Matilda, which is lucky as if it was just one; there was probably enough money on the table from prospective buyers for them to be tempted," he said.
"We've been offered some serious money for her, so full credit to the owners who are sticking with her and rolling the dice. The prize money in Saudi Arabia is a big draw, so hopefully, we can get some of it."
The filly has had two wins in a row with three-time champion Flat jockey Oisin Murphy as her rider, and he is expected to ride her again.
"Oisin has been fantastic with her, and he can't wait to get back on board again, so he'll be travelling over for the ride," added the trainer.