There was a touch of magic about Riccarton on Saturday as Well Written — the unbeaten daughter of Written Tycoon — turned promise into perfection, thundering home to claim the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas in dazzling style. For trainer Stephen Marsh, it wasn’t just another win. It was a milestone — a moment of pure emotion as his star filly delivered his first Thousand Guineas triumph.
A Star Who Writes Her Own Story
From the moment the gates opened, Well Written looked every bit the champion she’s been whispered to be. Settled beautifully by her regular rider Matthew Cartwright, the 3YO travelled like a seasoned professional — poised, composed, and always in control. When the time came to move, she glided out of the one-one position at the 300m mark and simply flew, putting daylight between herself and the rest of the field to score by an emphatic 2.5 lengths.
For Cartwright, an expat Australian whose calm hands have guided the filly in all three of her starts, it was an effortless showcase of synergy between rider and horse. “She’s a very, very good horse,” he smiled post-race. “I tried to count to ten in the straight before letting her go, but I probably only got to six. She’s just that quick.”
From Humble Beginnings to Racing Royalty
Bred by David Digney and picked up for just $32,500 by Foxhill Thoroughbreds at the 2023 Great Southern Sale, Well Written’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular. Three starts, three commanding victories — each more convincing than the last. Her debut at Ellerslie in September was a three-length romp. Then came her breathtaking 6.8-length demolition in the G2 Soliloquy Stakes a month later, prompting powerhouse operation Yulong to secure a 50% stake.
“She’s got that bit of freakishness about her,” Marsh said, beaming. “It’s exciting to have horses like that in your stable. I was nervous with the expectations, but she made it look easy. It’s a special win — not just for us, but for Yulong and everyone who’s believed in her from the start.”
A Banner Day for Inglis Graduates
Saturday proved a showcase of Inglis graduates’ dominance across the region. While Well Written lit up Riccarton, in Sydney it was Revengeance (Hellbent) — another Inglis find — who surged to equal favouritism for the G1 Golden Slipper after a commanding win in the $1 million Golden Gift at Rosehill.
Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott and ridden by Josh Parr, Revengeance justified his $100,000 Inglis Classic price tag with a professional display, cruising home by almost a length. “We’ll work back from the Slipper,” Bott said. “He’s got the money now — the dream’s alive.”
Later on the card, Arctic Glamour (by Frosted) added more black-type sparkle, taking out the G2 Hot Danish Stakes over 1400m. Trained by Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou, the five-year-old mare showcased grit and determination to edge home by 0.4 lengths — a fitting reminder of Inglis’ ability to unearth top-class performers at all price points.
A Well Written Future
For Marsh and Cartwright, the future looks luminous. Well Written’s blend of raw power, temperament, and pedigree has her connections daring to dream of further Group 1 glory — perhaps even beyond New Zealand shores. “I don’t know where her ceiling is,” Cartwright admitted. “But she’s one of the best I’ve ever sat on.”
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