Circus Maximus filly makes winning Australian debut

[Wandering Eyes]

Windsor Park Stud’s first-season sire, Circus Maximus, celebrated his first Australian winner on Wednesday when Ha’penny Hatch (NZ) Circus Maximus scored an impressive victory at Eagle Farm.

The filly, trained by Paul Shailer and ridden by Damien Thornton, showed early speed to lead from the jump and fought off challengers to secure a three-quarters of a length win over Ready For Zion, with Estee Emm finishing third.

Ha’penny Hatch takes out the Eagle Farm opener for @RacingShailer! pic.twitter.com/RPrDuLYnTn

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 12, 2025

Shailer was delighted with the performance.

“She’s a lovely filly, very professional, and she’s got plenty of improvement in her.”

Ha’penny Hatch was purchased for $33,000 by Shailer Racing and Hughes Bloodstock from the Wentwood Grange draft at the New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale at Karaka.

She is the second foal of Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) winner Emily Margaret, a daughter of Pins and out of the top-rated New Zealand filly of 2009, Seven Schillings.

Shailer noted that the filly had always shown promise.

“From the first day she came into the stable, she’s been a natural. She’s got a great attitude and plenty of ability.”

Circus Maximus, a champion miler by Galileo, boasts three Group One victories, including two at Royal Ascot. He has completed four seasons at Windsor Park Stud in New Zealand.

In addition to Ha’penny Hatch’s success in Australia, Circus Maximus has had two runners in New Zealand, including a placegetter and some promising trial winners including Road To Paris and Miss Parker, while his first northern hemisphere crop featured seven winners, highlighted by the Group One-placed Green Storm.

Shailer believes the win bodes well for Circus Maximus’ progeny. “If this filly is anything to go by, he’s going to leave some really nice horses. She’s got all the attributes you want to see.”

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