Cliff Brown could hardly hold back the emotion as Sepals crossed the line in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield, a race that delivered him his first Australian Group 1 victory since returning from Singapore. Moments after the wire, jockey Craig Williams gave the gelding a grateful pat, while Brown – also a part-owner – was quick to credit the horse’s grit and the story behind his breeding.
For breeder Greg Perry, who has celebrated many elite-level wins, this one was “pretty special.” He couldn’t help but reflect on the lineage: from the granddam Pussycat Dream, to What’s New, who nearly swept Singapore’s 4YO Triple Crown, and now Sepals – a Caulfield conqueror. “To see it come full circle like this, it’s very rewarding,” Perry said, his voice thick with pride.
Tenacity on Display
The $1 million feature attracted a competitive 15-horse field, but Sepals, drawn awkwardly in barrier 14, showed both speed and courage. Pushed forward to sit outside the leader Zarastro, the 4YO gelding made his move turning for home. Despite challengers closing fast, he refused to yield, stopping the clock at 1:21.39 – a time just shy of Exceed and Excel’s record set in this very race 22 years ago.
Bred by Perry and purchased by Brown for $80,000 at the 2023 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, Sepals has now stamped himself as one of the most exciting rising stars of the Australian turf. “It was a genius ride from Craig Williams, but for the horse to keep finding after being tested up the Caulfield hill, that tells you he’s special,” Perry said.
Inglis Graduates in the Spotlight
Sepals is the 109th individual Group 1-winning Inglis graduate since 2018 and one of 46 purchased for $100,000 or less. His victory capped a strong day for Inglis graduates nationwide.
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Estremo (Extreme Choice) announced himself as a Caulfield Guineas contender by taking out the G3 Guineas Prelude, trained by Chris Waller.
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Half Yours (St Jean) claimed the G3 Naturalism Stakes to book a start in next month’s Caulfield Cup.
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At Randwick, Joliestar (Zoustar) dazzled in The Shorts, pushing her career earnings past $5 million as she builds toward The Everest.
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With Your Blessing (Vadamos) dictated from the front to win the G3 Bill Ritchie Handicap, while at Newcastle, Oh Diamond Lil (So You Think) and Headley Grange (Exosphere) delivered Group 3 victories in the Tibbie Stakes and Cameron Handicap respectively.
A Breeder’s Passion Realised
For Perry, now 71, the moment was one to savour. “Racing and breeding is a four-legged lottery, but I’ve been obsessed with it since I was a young boy. To still be enjoying it this way is a blessing,” he said.
Sepals’ victory in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes not only marked a milestone for his trainer and breeder but also added another chapter to the rich history of Inglis Classic success stories.
Sepals’ brilliant triumph in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield delivered Cliff Brown his first Australian Group 1 since returning from Singapore and gave breeder Greg Perry a moment of rare satisfaction, underscoring the lasting influence of Inglis graduates on the big stage.
