Twenty Group 1s, but solo CF Orr win with Shadhavar an emotional one for Dabernig
Tom Dabernig trained his first Group 1 winner since moving to Warrnambool five years ago, with the CF Orr victory at Sandown by Shadhavar, a mare he has trained since she was a yearling, prompting an emotional response after Saturday’s meeting.
More than five years after leaving the significant safety net of Lindsay Park and moving to Warrnambool, Tom Dabernig can feel justified in his and his family’s decision with a Group 1 win of his own.
Dabernig had trained 19 Group 1 winners alongside uncle David Hayes and cousin Ben Hayes but Saturday’s CF Orr Stakes victory at Sandown with Shadhavar provided a different sense of satisfaction.
The in-form Shadhavar, a daughter of Pride Of Dubai who had already won three races this preparation, graduated from mares’ company to win the $1 million open-age 1400 metres CF Orr.
Trailing leader Beiwacht, Shadhavar eased to the centre of the track and it was immediately clear that the Kerrin McEvoy-ridden mare was travelling better than the Godolphin-owned four-year-old.
Dabernig, the grandson of Australian Racing Hall Of Fame inductee Colin Hayes, stopped himself going the “early crow”, but he need not have worried.
Shadhavar shot clear and had three-quarters of a length to spare over the line from Pericles with Jimmysstar another two-and-a-quarter lengths away in third.
“I think that when we got her to 1400 is when she really went to another level, and her three runs at this distance, she’s now undefeated,” Dabernig said post-race.
“When this Group 1 was on our doorstep, I said we’re mad not to have a try because when these mares get in form like this, the purple patch that we talk of, you really have to take advantage of it.
“And today, the way the race panned out, we followed James McDonald, and it probably helped us. We were able to pop off it, it gave us the horse to take us into the race, and I must admit, I thought she looked the winner a long way out.
“I didn’t want to go the early crow, but she really grabbed the race by the scruff of the neck and it was a good, strong win.”
When Dabernig made the call in 2021 that he was going out on his own, one of the first to back him was Prime Thoroughbreds’ Joe O’Neill, who races Shadhavar, an $85,000 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale purchase by the popular syndicator.
“I’ve got a fantastic assistant trainer, Dara O’Meachair, who’s been with me for I think 13 years. My wife Cassi, they’re all part of the team. Cian Moody is actually the strapper who we sponsor, and he’s the head lad in the stable. So it’s a big team effort,” Dabernig said.
“The horses, for us, come first, and we thought it was a great environment to train (at Warrnambool), to utilise the beach, the country environment. I love galloping my horses on grass, they barely ever go on any sort of synthetic surface.
“So, she’s a classic example of a horse we had since a yearling, and she’s been able to develop and get to group one level. So, it gives everyone a big thrill.”
Shadhavar had been ridden by Craig Williams at her past two Group wins, but with the leading jockey committed to Pericles, McEvoy picked up the mount.
“I am really pleased to get the ride on her, and well done to Joe. Him and Tom have been having a great run and it was nice to get the call up to come down,” McEvoy said.
“They decided to have a crack at the stumps here with this mare, who’s in great form, and when Joe rang, I was more than happy to come down.
“I had bits and bobs at home, so I came down thinking she’s got a live chance. She got it right. She jumped and had a nice spot and she really relished those conditions.”
Williams was pleased with Pericles’ performance but was far from surprised that Shadhavar was able to win the CF Orr, which has become a late spring feature rather than a late summer and autumn starting point.
“The winner is just flying. My horse had a great preparation and my horse has had a great preparation for it. He dominated a race the other day,” Williams said.
“He had a great run from the outside barrier and gave himself every chance but the winner was too good for us.”
Shadhavar became Coolmore-based Pride Of Dubai’s sixth individual Group 1 winner, four of which have been tough and consistent high-class mares – Bella Nipotina, Deny Knowledge and, of course, Pride Of Jenni.
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