There was a thrill in the air at Caulfield today as Transatlantic defied the odds and claimed his first Group 1 victory in the Toorak Handicap. For connections, the win was more than just another trophy, it was a testament to patience, planning, and unwavering belief in a horse whose tenacity has always been clear.
The Tony Gollan-trained 5YO, a $360,000 Easter Yearling Sale purchase from Segenhoe Stud, fended off a late surge from several rivals to secure the $1 million G1 prize. Mark Zahra, aboard for the day, executed a flawless ride that turned strategy into success, navigating Transatlantic from a wide barrier to the front when it mattered most.
Transatlantic now boasts seven wins from 20 career starts and earnings of $1.4 million. He also becomes the 111th Group 1-winning Inglis graduate since 2018 — a mark of consistency for the storied sales company.
“I’ve always liked this horse,” Gollan said. “We gelded him at the end of his 3YO year, and that set him up perfectly. He’s got real quality, and I don’t see why he can’t be a Weight For Age performer in the future. Mark executed the plan perfectly, and the horse responded beautifully.”
Kevin Maloney of Segenhoe added, “It’s fantastic. He’s always been talented, and he’s really hitting his stride now. After two second-place finishes recently, it’s wonderful to see him get this win.”
The victory has added excitement to the upcoming Ready2Race Sale at Riverside, where Transatlantic’s half-brother by Stay Inside (ex Gust Of Wind) will be offered as Lot 26. Despite a short preparation due to a foot abscess, the colt impressed in his breeze and is expected to develop into a promising 2YO and beyond, following in the footsteps of his Group 1-winning sibling.
Meanwhile at Rosehill, Headley Grange (Exosphere) demonstrated his own tenacity in the $1.5 million Alan Brown Stakes. The Joe Pride-trained 5YO chalked up his 11th career victory from 22 starts, rewarding his connections handsomely after a $120,000 purchase via Inglis Digital last year. Bob Manwaring, trackside for the win, could barely contain his excitement: “He’s just a machine. What a ride he’s taken us on — now it’s off to the Big Dance.”
Earlier in the day, Gangsta Granny (Written Tycoon) continued the Easter Yearling Sale success story with a narrow victory in the G3 The Nivison at Rosehill. Purchased for $240,000, the 4YO mare now has four wins from eight starts and is being aimed at the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick in a fortnight.
From Caulfield to Rosehill, Easter graduates and Inglis Digital stars proved that pedigree, planning, and patience pay dividends on the racecourse and in the sale ring.
Catch the full report of Transatlantic’s thrilling G1 Toorak win on RaceBuzz.
