Debut Juvenile Winner for Shamus Award Impresses

A competitive juvenile maiden at Rosehill on Wednesday was won in determined style by Shamus Award colt True Detective, a $100,000 Inglis Classic purchase for Byron Rogers’ Performance Genetics LLC.

Prepared by Chris Waller, True Detective was tuned up with two recent trials, most recently finishing second to Mo’s Crown at Warwick Farm on February 14.

He met that rival again today, but was able to turn the tables under a lovely ride from Tommy Berry. True Detective settled just behind the leaders and when angled into the clear was strong to the line in catching Mo’s Crown to win the 1100 metre contest by half a neck.

“He’s bred to get further being by Shamus Award (Cox Plate winner),” said Tommy Berry.

“He’s still pretty green, but is an exciting horse going forward.”

Consigned by Moobi Farm, True Detective is a half-brother to stakes-placed Turquoise King and is the fifth winner from Girls Rule, a half-sister by Geiger Counter (USA) to stakes-winner Roll on Royce from the family of Group I VRC Victoria Derby winner Fire Oak.

“He’s got some really good owners and for some of them it’s their first horse,” said stable representative Charlie Duckworth.

“We came here today not knowing how far he’d get into this preparation, but he’s a winner now so we can go home and see where we go from here.”

One of those owners on had to see him win was Byron Rogers father Dr Chris Rogers, who was thrilled with the result. Now based in North America, Byron Rogers is a renowned pedigree analyst and bloodstock expert that started his career in Australia working for Arrowfield Stud.

“Byron picked him out for us and he’ll be watching back in the States,” said Dr Rogers.

“It’s about 10 o’clock at night over there, I think he’s rang me already, but I’ll talk to him later!”