Switzerland claims dominant Coolmore Stud Stakes victory

[Wandering Eyes]

Switzerland ridden by James McDonald wins the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington Racecourse on November 02, 2024. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Racing Photos)

For the second time in four years, a horse carrying the famous Coolmore colours has taken out the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, with Switzerland ($6) for Chris Waller and James McDonald following in the footsteps of Home Affairs.

Waller maintained his stranglehold on the Coolmore Stud Stakes, with Saturday’s victory giving the master trainer his sixth win from the last 12 editions of the 1200m classic.

This son of Snitzel was a dominant winner in the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes last start, signalling to the stable that he was back on track ahead of his biggest test down the Flemington straight.

The race itself was run at a breakneck tempo, as Hugh Bowman took off from the barrier on Bodyguard ($41) to sprint out to a massive six-length lead after 400m.

Most of the favourites with horse racing bookmakers, led by Lady Of Camelot ($9), Growing Empire ($3.80) and Traffic Warden ($4.20), settled at the front of the rest of the field.

With most of his main rivals facing the breeze ahead of him, McDonald sat quietly behind them on the eventual winner before peeling off their heels with 300m to go.

In a matter of three or four strides, Switzerland exploded to the front of the field and put the race to bed with 150m to go, with only Bellatrix Star ($8.50) running on from the back of the field.

Growing Empire and Lady Of Camelot battled on gamely, and they couldn’t be split by the judge, dead-heating for third place.

2024 Coolmore Stud Stakes replay – Switzerland

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Chris Waller was very happy post-race, and he spoke about a possible trip to Royal Ascot following the win.

“Yeah, he did (have to prove himself). We’ve got a great team that got us back on the track,” Waller said.

“He just got excited and hurt himself and got agitated and yeah, it was just one of those things that young kids do.

“That’s all he is. He’s a young teenager, he’s finding his way, became a man last start I thought with a dominant win and the writing was on the wall that a Group 1 wasn’t far away, to win a stallion making a race like this, it’s a big deal.

“This race, this week, has so many great stories, but for the colts, this is the race you need to win.

“So I’m privileged to be training these types of horses because I didn’t get them when I started, but now it’s a privilege.

“I could see he jumped well, he settled well, James was just sitting on it quietly and that was the pre-race plan.

“Be where he’s comfortable. It was as simple as that.

“Well, the beauty of winning a Group 1 race, it takes a little bit of pressure off.

“We’ve got to just now maintain his value, so logically, races like the Newmarket and Royal Ascot would be in our consideration.”

James McDonald was just as happy when speaking to the media post-race.

“I’m just absolutely delighted to be fair, he’s got the most beautiful nature, and he allows me to do whatever I want on him, he’s so push- button, and when he was so alertly away, I just sat on him and let the race unfold around him, and he allowed me to do that, and he makes a jockey’s life so easy,” McDonald said.

“He’s such a talented colt, he’s got years to turn, and after his jump out here the other day, we were cooking with gas, he went super.”

“He’s got a lot of talent, he’s got well above average ability, he’s got an absolutely brilliant demeanour.

“He’s got an incredible turn of foot, and he can sustain it for a long time; he’s got all the attributes to be a top sprinter.

“There are two races here in the autumn that have got a big circle around him. He’ll thicken up, he’ll develop, he’ll get stronger and better – he’s a beauty.”

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