Bella Nipotina has returned to a rockstar reception at Rosehill after becoming Australia’s second biggest prizemoney earner with a devastating win in the Russell Balding Stakes.
Along with first prizemoney of $1.725 million, the Ciaron Maher-trained mare picked up a $1 million bonus for claiming the most points in the Sydney Sprint Series and another $1 million bonus for capturing The Everest (1200m) – Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) double.
The almost $4 million bump-up boosted Bella Nipotina’s career total to more than $22.5 million, surpassing Nature Strip’s purse of more than $20.7 million and second only to the incomparable Winx, who retired the winner of over $26.4 million.
The Rosehill crowd demonstrated their appreciation of the 11-time winner, giving her a standing ovation on return to scale, much to the delight of Maher’s Sydney foreman Johann Gerard-Dubord.
“To have a horse like that and the fact she has run so many races, been so consistent, people get to know her and I think they are appreciating her now,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“All credit to her, she is an iron horse.”
Regular rider Craig Williams positioned Bella Nipotina ($2.50 fav) in a beautiful spot stalking the speed set by Coal Crusher and I Am Me and the seven-year-old ranged up to the leaders in the straight before sweeping past them for an arrogant win.
Sunshine In Paris ($4.40) ran home well without seriously threating to finish 1-3/4 lengths away in second with her stablemate Lady Laguna ($18) another 1-1/4 lengths back in third.
Gerard-Dubord said Williams was a critical part of Bella Nipotina’s success
“He knows her better than anyone else and he rides her better than anyone else, but he knows exactly what he can do and what he can’t do with her,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“They’ve got a very good association together and I’m sure she loves him as much as he loves her.”
Williams sent all credit Bella Nipotina’s way and said while she could be headstrong some days, on Saturday she was push-button.
“It’s amazing how we can get her some days and she’s like ‘no, it’s my way’. Today it was just the easy way,” Williams said.
“And even the other day, I just said to her ‘you’ve climbed the biggest mountain by winning The Everest, and now to show everyone that’s come out today to support you, I’m sorry girl but you’ve got to keep doing it’. And she just delivers.”
Bella Nipotina is expected to be spelled with a view to a Royal Ascot trip next year, although the stable will see how she comes through Saturday before making a final call.
“She could do more but I’m not sure that would be the right thing to do.,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“In saying that, if she comes through that run and she is jumping around like she has been a couple of days after the run, we might have to rethink that.
“But I think she has done a very good job this prep and she has earned a good rest.”