Silent Surrente has handed star apprentice jockey Rochelle Milnes the biggest triumph of her career, taking out the Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) for local trainers Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea at Morphettville on Monday.
Milnes found herself trapped wide early aboard the $10 chance with betting sites, but she kept the six-year-old mare traveling smoothly before making a decisive move to the front. Silent Surrente responded strongly in the straight, holding off Newfoundland ($6.50), who finished 1-1/4 lengths behind in second, while Grand Pierro ($16) followed another length away in third.
The 22-year-old, who was named Dux of the Racing SA Apprentice Academy earlier this year, was overcome with emotion after securing her breakthrough black-type success.
“I’m a bit at a loss of words, to be honest,” Milnes said.
“I’m absolutely exhausted, and the support from this team has been incredible throughout my career. I can’t thank them enough. I’m still catching my breath, but I don’t even have the words to describe how grateful I am for this crew backing me.”
“They’re amazing people, and this horse has come into the race in such great condition. I’m so proud of her.”
It was a maiden Adelaide Cup victory for the Clarken & O’Shea stable, with Will Clarken emphasizing his training partner Niki O’Shea’s role in preparing Silent Surrente.
“Hometown Cup obviously means a lot, doesn’t it,” Clarken said.
“I pride myself on my modesty. My name’s in the book, but Niki really trains this horse.”
“He’s done a fantastic job from the moment she arrived in the stable. He nurtures them, he rides their work, and he just does an outstanding job. It’s a team effort, and while we work hard together, full credit goes to him. He’s a phenomenal horseman.”
Clarken also highlighted Milnes’ emerging talent and praised her ride.
“I know this sounds silly, but I don’t think she was ever going to lose. She got into a beautiful rhythm,” Clarken said.
“I was backing her ability even before she had her first race ride. Her skills are silky smooth. She’s a fantastic rider who works incredibly hard with us, and it’s great to see.”
Elsewhere on the card, two other standout winners could be heading toward Group One targets during the Adelaide May carnival. Gala Queen is shaping as a potential Australasian Oaks contender, while Sir Sway is being aimed at the Goodwood Handicap.
Trained by Phillip Stokes, Gala Queen was victorious in the Listed Morphettville Guineas (1600m), while Sir Sway, prepared by mother-and-son trainers Sue and Jason Jaensch, secured his eighth career win from fourteen starts in the Listed Manihi Classic (1100m).
