Les Bridge unlocks another Legend

Posted by RS NewsWire at 2:01pm on May 20th
CELESTIAL LEGEND winning the SCHWEPPES HANDICAP at Rosehill in Australia. Picture: Steve Hart

Hall Of Fame trainer Les Bridge looks to have another promising horse on his hands in Celestial Legend, who has a classic pedigree but enough raw ability to be winning races at two.

After an eye-catching second to $3 million colt Kandinsky Abstract on debut, the Dundeel youngster went one better, justifying his $2.60 favouritism with an emphatic victory in the Schweppes Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

The colt revived memories of stablemate Classique Legend, who was also a steely grey colour as a younger horse, and like his Everest-winning stablemate, Celestial Legend has his share of ability.

"I think he's really good," Bridge said.

"He's only a baby and it's all ahead of him.

"I bought him to be a middle-distance horse, he should be in those classic races for three-year-olds next season.

"He's a magnificent looking horse too."

While Bridge will look at the winter racing program in Brisbane, Celestial Legend is more likely to be spelled to prepare for a spring campaign.

It wasn't all smooth sailing for the youngster on Saturday when he was hemmed in behind runners in the straight, but he was able to shoulder clear and attack the line with intent.

He scored by 1-1/2 lengths over Ostraka ($6) with leader Jagjit ($9) holding on for third another 1-1/4 lengths in arrears.

Winning rider Dylan Gibbons said Celestial Legend settled well in the run and despite being green, he was a class above his rivals.

"I was pretty confident the way he was travelling," Gibbons said.

"Even when he did get there, he pricked his ears and had a look around and still got away from them quite easily.

"He's still twelve months away. He's lean, there's not much of him, he hasn't fully furnished yet."

Like Classique Legend, Celestial Legend is raced by Bon Ho and sports his white and red colours.

More Racing News

Mr consistency heads to the 2026 Ballarat Cup

Ocean Beyond might not always warm the hearts of punters, but he remains an exceptionally consistent earner for his connections. The Simon Ryan-trained gelding will attempt to secure his biggest payday yet when he contests the $500,000 Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) on Saturday, entering the race with more than $535,000 already...

Today

Bar raised for in-form colt Swift Legend

Swift Legend has earned his opportunity in stronger company after back-to-back midweek victories, but jockey Jason Collett remains cautious as the colt continues to mature. The Dundeel youngster lines up in Sunday’s Vinnie @ Yarraman Park Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill, stepping out from recent wins at Warwick Farm and Canterbury. Collett says...

Today

Inhabit out to book a 2026 Magic Millions Classic trip

Unbeaten filly Inhabit will be racing for a Magic Millions berth when she steps out again on Saturday. A stylish debut winner at Murray Bridge in October, she now lines up in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Two-Year-Old Plate (1000m) at Morphettville Parks. Her assignment has been simplified with three scratchings, leaving...

Today

Tommy Berry to test the summer carnival waters in 2025 George Moore Stakes

Tommy Berry will be a key figure in Brisbane this weekend as he reunites with Caballus, while also unveiling a valuable Magic Millions hopeful. Berry’s association with Caballus includes a Flemington stakes win two starts ago, prior to the sprinter backing up into the Champions Sprint, where he was unplaced behind...

Yesterday

Rob and Annabel Archibald hoping to return north with West Of Africa

Despite Sydney lacking a feature race this weekend, Sunday’s Rosehill program will be pivotal for Rob and Annabel Archibald as they shape their Magic Millions carnival team. The Archibalds will run West Of Africa and Mickey’s Medal in the TAB Handicap (1400m), with both aiming to justify a January trip to...

Yesterday

SA raider Promises Kept chases 2025 Ballarat Cup

Trainer Michael Hickmott is confident that new stable acquisition Promises Kept can give his owners plenty to look forward to over the next fortnight. The gelding heads east for Saturday’s Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) and may then target the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) seven days later. Previously trained by Greg Eurell and...

Yesterday

Michael Dee makes Ascot return for Apulia in 2025 Northerly Stakes

Group 1-winning jockey Michael Dee is set to make a rare Perth appearance as he chases more elite-level success aboard Apulia. Dee will ride the Lindsay Park-trained entire in the Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot, marking his first visit to the track since November 2018. The Victorian lightweight has a strong record...

Yesterday

Son of ill-fated stallion St Jean scores impressive debut win

Melek, a staying-bred son of St Jean, made the perfect start to his racing career with a determined win over the mile at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday. The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old debuted in the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1600m) and made an immediate impact. Starting at $4.20 after firming late, Melek charged...

Yesterday

Air has second Assault on the 2025 Ballarat Cup

A mature and more composed Air Assault will attempt to push his prizemoney beyond $1 million when he lines up in Saturday’s Ballarat Cup. Trainer Andrew Gluyas says the gelding has finally pieced it all together after years of racing keenly, noting the now nine-time winner has developed into a tractable,...

Dec 3rd

Weather prompts Rosehill races transfer

Saturday’s Rosehill race meeting will now be held on Sunday after Racing NSW moved to avoid anticipated extreme heat across Sydney, with temperatures set to surge past 40 degrees. Racing NSW stewards had tracked forecasts closely all week and, with no relief in sight, chief steward Tom Moxon confirmed the rescheduling...

Dec 3rd