A strategic switch to contest the Queen Of The Turf Stakes instead of the Queen Elizabeth Stakes has paid off for Fangirl, with the Chris Waller-trained mare landing another Group 1 triumph at Randwick.
Waller secured the $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) earlier in the day thanks to Via Sistina, who claimed her seventh Group 1 for the season. Just 40 minutes later, Fangirl justified favouritism in the Queen Of The Turf (1600m), surging home from near the rear under James McDonald to collect her fourth Group 1 win.
Fangirl started her autumn campaign by defeating Via Sistina in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes, before placing in both the Verry Elleegant Stakes and George Ryder Stakes.
The six-year-old’s latest success – defeating last week’s Doncaster Mile heroine Stefi Magnetica – marked her first Group 1 victory since the King Charles III Stakes in the spring of 2023.
“Each preparation she just stands up and she’s counted,” Waller said.
“We took a step back today from the Queen Elizabeth but she’ll get her time in another 2000-metre race, I promise her that.
“Obviously today means so much. You’ve got to have horses winning, and the big races especially. We would have liked to have had a crack at the Queen Elizabeth but Via Sistina was flying and I didn’t want to break her heart.”
McDonald, who had earlier guided Via Sistina to Queen Elizabeth glory, said Fangirl was perfectly placed back against her own sex in the Queen Of The Turf.
“She’s a great mare. I love her to bits,” McDonald said.
Positioned second last turning for home, McDonald opted to stick to the inside and found a clear passage, with Fangirl and stablemate Atishu threading through the pack and duelling late, only for Fangirl to prevail as Stefi Magnetica charged wider.
Fangirl ($1.60) scored by three-quarters of a length over Stefi Magnetica ($6.50), with Atishu ($9.50) a nose further away in third as she bowed out of racing ahead of the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale in May.
“She was brave too,” Waller said of Atishu.
“It’s her last run today, Atishu, and she’s been an amazing horse.
“In the last three years she’s won this race, got beaten a nose last year and been beaten by Fangirl and the Doncaster winner this year.”
