Horse Racing

On Saturday at the esteemed Ascot racecourse in Perth, up-and-coming Victorian stayer Chartreux secured a coveted Group 1 win in the $500,000 Group 1 WATC Derby (2400m).

Trained by masterful Flemington-based mentor David Hayes, interstate raider Chartreux ($5.50) defeated many local hopefuls including the Neville Parnham-trained Bridgestone ($4.50) with the $3.50 favourite and Melvista Stakes winner Brother Mak coming in third.

The win in the three-year-old classic gave trainer David Hayes his first WATC Derby success.

Chartreux, ridden to perfection by champion hoop Brad Rawiller, settled three back on the inside fence early on before darting through the field to secure the win with a powerful late burst.

Catbird gelding Chartreux, purchased for $70,000 at the 2008 Magic Millions Classic Sale in Perth, has now won four of their 12 career starts with their total prizemoney now in excess of $467,690, and will be back at for the Melbourne features in the spring.

In other great racing action around the nation on Saturday, at Randwick the 2010 Sydney Cup was Won by Melbourne Cup Hopeful Jessicabeel and Road To Rock Won the 2010 Queen Elizabeth Stakes Ahead of Triple Honour and Monaco Consul.

2010 Schweppes WATC Derby Results