Silent Surrente has delivered star apprentice jockey Rochelle Milnes the most significant victory of her career, claiming the Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) for local trainers Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea at Morphettville on Monday.
Despite being caught wide early aboard the $10 chance with betting sites, Milnes kept the six-year-old mare in a strong rhythm. She eventually pushed forward to take the lead, showing plenty of fight in the straight to hold off Newfoundland ($6.50), who finished second, 1-1/4 lengths behind. Grand Pierro, a $16 chance, claimed third, finishing another length back.
The 22-year-old apprentice, named Dux of the Racing SA Apprentice Academy earlier this year, was overwhelmed with emotion after securing her first black-type race victory.
“I’m a bit at a loss of words, to be honest,” Milnes said.
“I’m absolutely run ragged, and the support this team has given me has been incredible for my career. I can’t thank them enough. I’m a bit breathless, but I really just don’t have the words to describe how thankful I am for this crew to be behind me.”
“They’re amazing people, and this horse has just come into this race so well. I’m so proud of her.”
For the Clarken & O’Shea stable, it marked their first Adelaide Cup triumph. Will Clarken was quick to credit his training partner, Niki O’Shea, for his dedication to Silent Surrente’s preparation.
“Hometown Cup obviously means a lot, doesn’t it,” Clarken said.
“I pride myself on my modesty. My name’s in the book, but Niki really trains this horse.”
“He’s just done a wonderful job from the time he got to the stable. He nurtures them, he rides all their work. He’s just done a fantastic job. It’s obviously a team effort. We work hard together, but full kudos to him. He’s a brilliant horseman.”
Clarken also praised Milnes, recognizing her talent early on.
“I know this sounds silly, but I don’t think she was ever going to get beat. She just got in a beautiful rhythm,” Clarken said.
“I’ve spruiked her (Milnes) before she had her first race ride, but her skills are silky smooth. She’s a really good rider. She works with us really hard, it’s just great.”
Meanwhile, potential Group One targets could be on the horizon for two other feature race winners from the day. Gala Queen is emerging as a contender for the Australasian Oaks, while Sir Sway is on a path toward the Goodwood Handicap.
Trained by Phillip Stokes, Gala Queen secured victory in the Listed Morphettville Guineas (1600m). Meanwhile, Sir Sway, prepared by the mother-and-son training duo Sue and Jason Jaensch, recorded his eighth win from fourteen starts in the Listed Manihi Classic (1100m).
