CUP DAY CLASS ACT: WHISKEYSIPPI RIVER MAKES A WINNING RETURN FOR HOLLY WILLIAMS RACING

A promising three-year-old filly has given Holly Williams Racing plenty to smile about, with Whiskeysippi River producing an impressive first-up victory at Tamworth on Melbourne Cup Day.

It was a day of near misses and memorable moments for the Tamworth stable, with Rivaldo setting the scene in race one before Whiskeysippi River delivered the highlight with a dominant performance in the maiden.

Rivaldo was desperately unlucky to miss out in the opening event, going down by the narrowest of margins in an excruciatingly close second. But the stable didn’t have to wait long for its moment in the winner’s circle.

Stepping out for her first appearance of the preparation, Whiskeysippi River showed plenty of promise, producing an eye-catching finish to storm through from the back of the field and put her rivals away in impressive fashion.

The filly hit the line a length clear, with the field stretched out at intervals behind her, leaving little doubt about the manner of her victory.

While it may have been a non-TAB maiden on one of the biggest racing days of the year, the performance certainly caught the eye of her trainer.

Holly Williams was particularly taken by the way the filly attacked the line and put the race to bed in the straight, suggesting there could be plenty more to come from the lightly raced three-year-old.

Whiskeysippi River was given a textbook ride by emerging local apprentice Juliet Partridge, who continues to build an impressive association with the stable.

Partridge showed great composure and timing, allowing the filly to find her feet before producing her challenge at the right moment. The young rider is enjoying a terrific run of form and is well on her way to closing out her three-kilogram country apprentice claim, with performances like this continuing to underline her potential.

There is also an interesting pedigree behind the exciting young filly.

By Anders, the Group-winning son of Not A Single Doubt, Whiskeysippi River comes from a speed-laden sire line. Anders was a high-class performer himself, winning the Group 3 San Domenico Stakes and the Listed Rosebud, establishing himself as one of the fastest sons of his celebrated sire.

Her dam, Vo River Girl, is by All Too Hard, the multiple Group 1-winning son of Casino Prince, out of the Dehere mare Milande. It is a pedigree that brings together plenty of Australian sprinting quality, and Whiskeysippi River looks to be showing some of those family traits on the track.

Behind the filly is a very special group of ladies who have come together in partnership to race her, including Wendy Williams, Wanda Ings, Lindy Wharekura, Jacqui Curtis and Deb Rieper.

A true family horse, Whiskeysippi River has been surrounded by plenty of love and support throughout her journey, making Tuesday’s result all the more rewarding.

Special recognition must also go to Sarah Curtis, who has been part of the filly’s story since she was first broken in. Sarah has put in countless hours of patience, dedication and hard work to help bring this big, spirited filly along.

And spirited she certainly is!

Described affectionately by the team as a spicy big filly, Whiskeysippi River has certainly kept everyone on their toes along the way. Her first-up performance was a wonderful reward for the time and effort invested in her development.

For Holly Williams Racing, Melbourne Cup Day delivered a little bit of everything: an agonisingly close second, followed by an exciting young filly announcing herself in style.

The champagne may have been flowing across the country for the Melbourne Cup, but at Tamworth, the Williams stable had its own reason to celebrate.

And if Whiskeysippi River’s first-up performance is anything to go by, this could be just the beginning of an exciting racing journey.

Written By: HNW Racing News
Photo By: Bradley Photos