Peter Snowden has once again added to his impressive record in the Hawkesbury Guineas, with Media World narrowly holding off a late surge from Just Party to secure his fifth victory in the Group Three contest.
Guided by jockey Tyler Schiller, Media World ($9) showed determination to push forward and eventually take the lead, producing a gritty run in the straight to stave off the challenge of Just Party ($5.50 equal betting favourite), while Zeitung ($12) filled third place.
Snowden revealed that he had strongly considered gelding Media World following a mixed preparation, but major owner Yulong convinced him to give the colt another chance — a decision that has already paid off handsomely.
“We were very tempted to geld him but Yulong wanted to give me one more chance with him as a colt and I’m glad they did,” Snowden said.
“Already it has paid dividends. He’s won a Group race here today and I hope he can go on further and go to Brisbane and do something else.”
Media World previously captured the Clarendon Stakes on this same raceday last year and now has earned a potential ticket to Queensland for the Fred Best Classic at Eagle Farm in May.
“I will take him to Brisbane for the Fred Best (Classic) next,” Snowden said.
“I’m hoping he could emerge as a Stradbroke Handicap horse. He’s heading in the right direction, that’s for sure.”
Snowden’s previous Hawkesbury Guineas winners include Free Wheeling (2012), Limes (2013), Military Zone (2019), and Exoboom (2021), highlighting his remarkable consistency in the race.
It was the first time Tyler Schiller had claimed the Hawkesbury Guineas, and he praised Media World’s ability to dig deep when it mattered most in the closing stages.
“The middle stages was his crucial winning point,” Schiller said.
“He relaxed lovely and just gave me that little bit of a breather. Once he did quicken from the top of the straight, although the challengers were there he always felt like he was toughing it out but when it counted he was in front on the line.”
“He is going to improve into his prep again but really honest horse and great win today.”