Fireball has confirmed himself as an outstanding 2YO, producing a performance of class and toughness to capture the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Trained by Chris Waller and expertly ridden by Tim Clark, the son of multiple Champion Sire Snitzel settled beautifully from the inside draw before showing his trademark determination in the straight, fighting back strongly to claim a deserved Group 1 victory.
This success marks a significant milestone for our partnership with Tony Fung Investments, with Fireball becoming our first Group 1 winner together.
It was a performance that perfectly encapsulated Fireball’s remarkable versatility. A dominant winner over 1100m pre-Christmas, he returned to claim the $2 million Inglis Millennium over the same trip, and has now stretched out to a mile to secure elite-level success, stamping himself as the most versatile two-year-old colt of his generation.
Congratulations to his outstanding ownership group: Tony Fung Investments, Belinda Bateman, Tom & Leslie Kennedy, Marc & Lindy de Stoop, Gary Diamond, Rob Love, Fergus-Pat Doyle, Tam Dieu & Jacqui Sushames, Mike & Anna Symons, Brodie & Alex Arnhold, Scott & Bonnie Langdon, Nick & Saskia Williams, Will McTaggert, Pauline Saab, Michael & Danielle Vukadinovic, Steven & Sharon Hedger, and Matt & Cara Gudinski.
A huge thank you to Chris Waller and his team for their expert management of this colt throughout the campaign, and to Tim Clark for a ride of patience and precision on the big stage.
Fireball’s progression through the season has been nothing short of exceptional, and with his combination of ability and attitude, he looks set to remain a major force moving forward into his three-year-old season.