Trainer Chris Waller maintains that success in races isn’t the sole focus during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, particularly when a filly like Consulate performs admirably in an event such as the Sandown Guineas.
The Group 2 1600m Guineas, which has returned to its traditional placement at Sandown, was a pivotal race for Sheza Alibi last year, propelling her into contention for top-tier races.
Despite stretching to a mile, the three-year-old daughter of Home Affairs secured a commanding victory by an impressive 4¼-lengths, exceeding expectations for her performance over the distance.
“Her run on Derby Day was very good,” Waller commented. “We brought her down here thinking ‘ok, we can give her a chance’. Some do rise, some don’t. She certainly did.”
Consulate achieved a notable feat, becoming the 14th filly to win the Guineas since 1968. This victory followed her sixth-place finish in the Group 3 The Vanity (1400m), an event that was held for the first time on Derby Day after relocating from its usual February date.
Ridden by James McDonald, Consulate, who started at $5, defeated the $3.80 favourite Magna Sententia, with Star Of Macedon ($6.50) finishing in third place.
McDonald’s previous win at Sandown was aboard Who Shot Thebarman in the Group 2 Sandown Classic (2400m) back in 2015.
“It was very good,” McDonald stated. “She had the writing on the wall after last star and was really good up to the mile given the ground really suited her. She’s a filly that keeps maturing and she’ll go again in the Autumn, too.”
A $300,000 acquisition from the 2025 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, Consulate has now recorded her second win from seven starts.
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