Patience rewarded as $3 million filly Ernaux breaks through at Randwick

Two years ago, American businessman John Stewart was involved in a significant bidding war for a daughter of Winx, ultimately losing out. However, he was successful in acquiring another elite prospect from that year's Inglis Easter Sale. While he finished as the underbidder on the $10 million Winx filly to owner Debbie Kepitis, Stewart did secure six other yearlings. Among these was an I Am Invincible filly out of the Group 1 winner Booker, for which he paid $3 million.

The filly, named Ernaux, took seven starts to break her maiden in midweek company and a further ten races to achieve success in Saturday metropolitan grade. Her maiden win in the latter category was achieved in spectacular fashion at Randwick.

Positioned at the back of the field under Tyler Schiller, Ernaux ($4.20 fav) had to navigate through runners in the straight before finding a late opening and powering clear to win by 1-3/4 lengths. Mareth ($4.60) finished strongly for second.

Trainer Chris Waller described the finish as "hold-your-breath stuff at the top of the straight." He added of the jockey, "Tyler, he knew what he was doing. He knew what he had under him, and she really exploded late."

Waller further commented on the mare's improved performance, stating, "Her form has been terrible on wet tracks. As soon as she had a better track last start, and again today, she's a different horse. There is certainly something there. She's very well bred, so we'll see what's around the corner."

Despite Ernaux's considerable price tag, Waller highlighted the lack of pressure from her ownership group, which includes Stewart's Resolute Racing and Coolmore. Her triumph in Saturday's Toyota Forklifts Handicap (1200m) not only provides a valuable Saturday win but might also encourage the four-year-old to continue racing for another season.

"They're fantastic to train for, and it's good to see she's won a good Saturday race for them," Waller said. "It was getting borderline whether we breed from her. That will give us a bit of confidence."

The Winx filly by Pierro, named Quinceanera, was retired to stud without having raced.

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