There was plenty of money to suggest that the kiwi Sir Charles Road would run a bold race in Saturday's $300,000 Group II Chairman's Quality (2600m) at Randwick and he didn't disappoint, becoming that rarest of all commodities an Australian-bred winner of a valuable staying race.
Trained by Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott, Sir Charles Road was given an inspired ride by Blake Shinn who sliced between runners from midfield to make his challenge alongside Ventura Storm (IRL) and the pair singled out over the final 300 metres.
Sir Charles Road fought on doggedly to defeat Ventura Storm (IRE) (Zoffany) by a half-neck with three and quarter lengths back to Peribsen (IRE) (Lonhro) in third. (photo Steve Hart) .
"What a super ride, a ten out of ten, just unbelievable," O'Sullivan said.
"After he ran in the Auckland Cup, he ran particularly well that day (6th), we thought let's have a crack, we're not taking on the Australian sprinters, I think he is Australian-bred anyway – he certainly showed he was up to having a go.
"He's one of those fast staying types, he puts himself into a good posse and keeps going.
"We are very keen to press on to next week (Sydney Cup). Whatever the ground it won't worry him at all."
A $90,000 buy for David and Diane Archer out of the Wentwood Grange draft at the 2015 NZB Karaka yearling sale, Sir Charles Road advances his overall record to 5 wins, 5 seconds and 2 thirds from 18 starts with earnings of $407,508.
The 4yo gelding is out of the unraced Giant's Causeway mare Giant Mystique, a half-sister to Singapore Horse of the Year War Affair (O'Reilly).
His dam is an unraced half-sister to Singapore's Group 1 champion War Affair (O'Reilly).
After beginning his career at Vinery Stud, Myboycharlie (IRE) now shuttles to Bowness Stud where he covered 57 mares at a fee of $8,800.
The son of Danetime has sired 15 stakes-winners headed by the triple Group 1 winner Jameka and the ATC Sires' Produce Stakes winner Peggy Jean.
