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| Staff Writer |
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Lady Of Camelot's remarkable ascent in Australian racing is a story that continues to captivate. From her breathtaking victory in the 2023 Golden Slipper to her confirmed spot in this year's US$15 million The Gr.1 Everest, the journey of this exceptional filly mirrors the ambitious vision of Go Bloodstock and its driving forces, Sir Owen Glenn & manager Steve O'Connor.
"We're happy to take on all challenges and race our horses against the best, domestically and internationally," O'Connor asserts.
Lady Of Camelot's path to The Gr.1 Everest has been nothing short of remarkable. Under the guidance of trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, she clinched the Golden Slipper, providing Sir Owen Glenn's Go Bloodstock with their maiden victory in Australia's premier two-year-old race. This triumph marked a record eighth Slipper win for Waterhouse and a second for Bott, cementing their place in racing history.
The filly's versatility was showcased prior with a commendable second place in the Group One Blue Diamond Stakes in Melbourne, proving her adaptability across different racing jurisdictions.
As The Gr.1 Everest looms, O'Connor's confidence in Lady Of Camelot's prospects is well-founded. "The 1200-metre distance suits, and she is in form having performed well at Group 1 level this season," he explains. " I think she is high on the list of up-and-coming talents."
Recent history supports their ambitions, with Yes Yes Yes and Giga Kick both claiming The Gr.1 Everest as three-year-olds. Sir Owen Glenn, a regular fixture at Australian racing's premier events, will be trackside for the big day, having attended the Group One Golden Rose last weekend.
"Sir Owen is very much a sporting man. He loves to see his horses race, and with a good filly like Lady Of Camelot, as a Golden Slipper winner, she has great value no matter what route she now takes," O’Connor confirms.
O'Connor reveals that Lady Of Camelot's racing style has influenced their tactical decisions, particularly in jockey selection. "Her versatility, tactical speed and ability to accelerate off a fast pace are her main assets," he explains. "Rachel King is our jockey who can ride at the low advantageous weight, and she excels at getting horses out the starting gate quickly and on pace in a good rhythm."
This attention to detail extends to their race planning, with O'Connor noting that barrier draws will play a crucial role in their strategy for The Gr.1 Everest. The team's methodical approach reflects their commitment to maximising their chances in Australia's richest race.
While The Gr.1 Everest represents an immediate target, O'Connor reveals that Go Bloodstock's ambitions extend far beyond Australian shores. Plans are being formulated for potential international campaigns, including the Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai and even Royal Ascot in England.
These international aspirations are backed by meticulous planning. "We're working closely with experienced veterinarians and travel experts to ensure Lady Of Camelot's wellbeing during any potential overseas campaigns," O'Connor assures. "Every detail is being considered, from quarantine protocols to acclimatisation strategies."
The global outlook is deeply ingrained in Go Bloodstock's philosophy. "The gene pool of racehorses nowadays is a global one," O'Connor explains. "Lady Of Camelot is an example of that with her granddam a stakes performer from a good US family. We view the industry as a collective global one and take that approach whether it comes to racing or breeding."
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Lady Of Camelot's success is no accident. She represents the culmination of Go Bloodstock's careful breeding strategy, being the third offspring of Miss Debutante, herself a former runner for Sir Owen. Her siblings have also achieved Group race success, with half-sister Platinum Jubilee recently selling for US$2.3 million, with Go Bloodstock retaining their share.
O'Connor elaborates on their breeding philosophy, "We mated her to a stallion who we thought could give the yearling a bit of size and scope, and would complement Mum’s speed and neatness. Written Tycoon complemented her quite well."
The success of Lady Of Camelot has influenced Go Bloodstock's broader strategy. O'Connor reveals that her achievements continue to streamline their business and stock portfolio, which was initiated a few years ago. "We balance our strategy to focus on breeding elite two-year-olds and sprinters who can be future stallions and broodmares while we also ensure we support our stallions to afford them an opportunity," he explains.
This refined approach has already yielded impressive results. The success adds to an impressive roster of Group-winning champions for Go Bloodstock, including Criterion, Comin Through, Pure Elation, Dame Giselle, Red Resistance, Rise Of The Masses, and Queen Of The Ball.
“Success gives us confidence in the process we have established from the breeding farms through to the stallions we use through to the horse educators and ultimately our trainers. We are constantly looking to improve on what we can do and will be forever learning," O’Connor explains.
As the countdown to The Gr.1 Everest continues, the racing world watches with anticipation. For Steve O'Connor and Go Bloodstock, this is more than just another race – it's a stepping stone towards global racing dominance, with Lady Of Camelot leading the charge.
Should success come their way in The Gr.1 Everest, celebrations are already being planned. "Sir Owen enjoys the beautiful beach-side local bar restaurant he lives near named Hugos," O'Connor reveals with a smile. "We will share a celebratory drink there, while Sir Owen is also known to throw extravagant penthouse parties or a boat party on his yacht UBIQUITOUS for our big wins."
The team’s confidence is grounded not in wishful thinking but in a legacy of success, paired with a meticulous approach to both racing and breeding. As O'Connor reflects on their journey, it becomes evident that Lady Of Camelot’s participation in The Gr.1 Everest is far more than just another race—it’s about solidifying Go Bloodstock’s stature as a global powerhouse in Thoroughbred racing.
With their strategic foresight, relentless pursuit of excellence, and a filly of Lady Of Camelot’s caliber, it seems only a matter of time before the celebration begins. As the racing world shifts its gaze toward The Gr.1 Everest, one thing is certain: Lady Of Camelot and Go Bloodstock are primed to conquer new horizons and redefine the heights of racing success.