Seen as the consolation event for the $20million The Everest, the $2million Group III ATC Sydney Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday attracted a full field of 16 runners with 8YO gelding Rothfire landing the prize in a fairytale result for connections.
Trained by Robert Heathcote and ridden by Ka Ying Rising’s regular pilot Zac Purton, Rothfire returned to the winner’s stall for the first time since New Year’s Day in 2024.
He scored by half a length in a thrilling finish to take his overall record to 11 wins and nine placings from 38 starts with earnings topping $4.7million.
A Group I winner at two, Rothfire has been a marvel and is the best performer for the late Queensland sire Rothesay.
“I'm not normally lost for words but this is so emotional. I said to a couple of mates including Kelly Schwieda I'd never cry on national TV, but this horse, to do what he's done and he's done it from the outside alley,” said an emotional Robert Heathcote.
"What a ride by Zac (Purton). Barrier 16, he's got him sixth with cover. I knew the old boy would find. A couple of people said to me in this huge crowd, he's maybe the forgotten horse in the race. But we didn't forget him, we knew.
"The crazy thing is I've had him in three Everests and I haven't got him there. The Golden Rose he shattered his sesamoid. We came back two years later, he ran here in the Premiere on a hard track and jarred up. He jarred up in the Manikato so I went home and patched him up again.
"He's defied veterinary critics for so long and here he is winning a $2million race."
Bred by Gleeson Thoroughbreds, Rothfire is the best of three winners from unraced Hussonet (USA) mare Huss on Fire, who is now retired.
