Two bone chips on Robert Heathcote’s desk serve as a reminder of Rothfire’s toughness — and his stunning resilience was on full display with victory in the $2 million Sydney Stakes (1200m).

Guided by Zac Purton in his Everest warm-up, Rothfire ($13) ended a near two-year drought with a narrow but brave win, edging out Iowna Merc ($21) by a short-neck, with With Your Blessing ($20) close behind.

“It means so much because the journey that this horse has taken us on,” Heathcote said.
“We could have been 35 minutes away from his fourth (Everest), but I’ll take this consolation.”

The eight-year-old’s triumph came after a string of unlucky runs, including the Doomben 10,000 and Manikato Stakes.

Heathcote credited Nash Rawiller for suggesting Purton take the ride, calling it a “winning move.”
“He’s defied veterinary critics for so long and here he is winning a $2 million race,” he said.

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