Forty years after winning his first Hobartville Stakes with Sir Dapper, octogenarian Les Bridge has captured his second, this time with the horse he believes might be the heir apparent to his Everest winner Classique Legend.
Celestial Legend ($8.50) unleashed a withering finish from midfield to triumph in Saturday’s three-year-old feature, the trackside presence of the colt’s prominent owner, Hong Kong businessman Bon Ho, making the victory even more special.
“He didn’t see much of Classique Legend and it was a tragedy he broke down, but he’s got a pretty good replacement in this one,” Bridge said.
“Deep down, I felt the same as I felt with Classique Legend. This bloke is nearly as good.
“I thought at one time, early, he’d be an Everest horse.
“I kept telling Mr Ho, we might be going the wrong way making him stay, he’s got more Snitzel in him than Dundeel. But I think he’s got a bit of both.”
Bridge was referring to Celestial Legend being a son of Derby winner Dundeel out of a Snitzel mare, and after his Hobartville Stakes (1400m) performance, the horse confirmed plans to head towards the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m).
He is also in the mix for the Doncaster Mile (1600m).
Ho was thrilled he made the trip from Hong Kong to watch Celestial Legend’s victory and said the stable had indicated the horse would run well.
However, like Bridge, he expects him to be better once he gets to 1600 metres and says he plans to be at Randwick for the three-year-old’s Guineas bid.
“There was a bit of confidence in the horse,” Ho said.
“He’s a 1600 to 2000 (metre horse), he’s a Dundeel.”
Kerrin Mcevoy, who was the regular rider of Classique Legend and guided him to his 2020 Everest win, felt a clean jump was a key factor in Celestial Legend’s Hobartville victory as it enabled him to settle in a more prominent position.
The top hoop added that having both Ho and Bridge on course for the performance was special.
“It’s great to see them both here and enjoying this horse,” McEvoy said.
“He’s been the apple in their eye for a little while, another grey taking over from the older grey (Classique Legend).”
When reflecting on training Hobartville Stakes winners four decades apart, Celestial Legend at the ripe age of 85, Bridge said it was owners like Ho who kept him in the sport.
“Geez, forty years, It has gone quick,” he said.
“I don’t have to do it these days, I only do it because I’m terrified of having nothing to do and Mr Ho has been absolutely marvellous to me.
“I just hope this repays him a little bit.”
Celestial Legend ($8.50) won by two lengths over Encap ($6.50) with Les Vampires ($9.50) fighting on well for third, another length away.