Neasham humbled to train Amelia’s Jewel

Neasham will get the opportunity to back her judgement in the spring after Perth owner-breeder, Peter Walsh confirmed on Tuesday that Amelia’s Jewel will be transferred to Neasham’s stable.

Amelia’s Jewel is set to make the move to Sydney after her upcoming run in the Group 1 Goodwood (1200m) in Adelaide on May 11 for current trainer, Simon Miller.

Western Australia’s star four-year-old has won nine races for Miller and banked $3.3 million in prizemoney, reaching a career peak in the G1 Northerly Stakes (1800m).

Amelia’s Jewel is on the move from her home base in Perth after she finished runner-up for the second consecutive year to Overpass in last Saturday’s $5 million The Quokka (1200m).

Although she lost few admirers and was gallant in defeat, doubts surfaced as to whether she is now more effective over further ground than short-course sprinting trips.

“She does hold the track record and beat Pride of Jenni over a mile at Moonee Valley,” Neasham told The Races WA.

“We certainly know a mile is a good distance for her, but I think she’s one of those good horses that all distances suit.

“I will be taking plenty of advice from Simon who is a great guy and I’ll use as a sounding board.

“I got to know him when I took Zaaki to Perth last year and he’s going to help me with any information I need.

“I’ll be taking plenty of advice from him, but I’ll get her here and figure it all out.

“I would imagine getting her out to a mile will be appealing.”

Amelia’s Jewel’s arrival is timely for Neesham, filling the void left by the recently retired Zaaki.

As one champion departs she’s hoping another can take his place.

Zaaki was the catalyst in lifting Neasham to the top echelon of Australian trainers.

“You always get excited about good horses, that’s for sure,” Neasham said.

“I suppose it’s almost quite fitting as we had to retire Zaaki as he got a bit older.

“We get out of bed every morning to train good horses.

“She’s obviously a pretty special horse.”

Despite training Bosustow for Walsh, Neasham thought she was long odds to be given the nod to look after Amelia’s Jewel.

Bosustow, Amelia’s Jewel’s half-brother, ran third to Traffic Warden in the Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Flemington last month.

Neasham was over the moon when she got the phone call from Walsh on Monday.

“I’ve got to know Peter Walsh over the last couple of years and he is just a terrific fella,” Neasham said.

“I feel extremely privileged to get her.

“I’m a little bit surprised and humbled.

“I didn’t think for one moment I was going to be training her.

“I feel like I’m carrying the weight of WA on my shoulder.

“I’ll do my best to do WA proud.”