Making History at Randwick

A new chapter in a famous association between two great Australian racing/breeding families played out at Randwick on Monday when the Group III ATC Robrick Lodge Triscay Stakes was won by progressive mare Zestful.

Prepared by Kris Lees, the five year-old daughter of Redoute’s Choice is co-owned by Widden Stud’s Antony Thompson and the race she won is named in honour of the late Geoff and Beryl White’s former superstar mare Triscay.

Bred and retained to race by the White’s, Triscay was sired by their Golden Slipper winner Marscay, who stood successfully for many years at Widden Stud until his death in 2000.

Among the many races won by Triscay was the 1989 AJC Widden Stakes, which the White’s also won in 1989 with Whilodge.

Widden Stud have also won the Triscay Stakes twice, winning it previously in 2002 with Okanui, so there was much sentiment involved during the presentation on Monday following Zestful’s triumph, her first success in a Black Type event.

“It was such a thrill to win the race as the White family have been great friends and supporters of Widden for many years and it was a privilege to have their champion colts Marscay and Filante stand at stud with us,” said Antony Thompson.

“Beryl White was at Randwick for the presentation along with her son Greg and daughter Judy, with her husband Brett, who sponsored the race through their Robrick Lodge banner.

“It brought back a lot of memories and in a year when Widden Stud celebrate 150 years of operation, it’s great to enjoy these special days with our friends.”