The Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) got the contest and finish it deserved as 2025 winner Waitak defended his crown in a thrilling three-way finish to the Hastings feature.
The versatile seven-year-old gelding is a proven stakes performer from 1200m through to 2000m, and the victory on Saturday earned him his fourth title at Group One level.
Regular pilot Craig Grylls took the mount for trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott and produced an absolute gem from barrier two, as he had Waitak travelling comfortably in sixth along the fence as another proven Group One performer El Vencedor set the pace.
In contrast, the well-favoured Tuxedo, with Opie Bosson aboard, found himself back in the rear before launching a run around the field with 700m left to travel.
Turning for home, Grylls extricated Waitak off the fence and into the three wide lane, with She’s A Dealer and Tuxedo both on his outer.
That trio swept to the lead at the 300m and set down to a ding-dong finish with Waitak pulling out all the stops to edge Tuxedo by a short head, with She’s A Dealer a further half neck away in third.
Co-trainer Andrew Scott was quite emotional after the race as he spoke in glowing terms about the horse.
“He is an amazing racehorse and this is a great result for team Wexford (stables),” Scott said. “This horse is just so honest, a lovely, big and sound horse, who we are incredibly proud of.
“It’s also good for Craig as I think that is his 100th winner for us.
“We will certainly celebrate tonight with all thanks to Waitak.”
Scott admitted there had been legitimate excuses for the inconsistent form line of his charge in his most recent starts.
“Last season he was just missing the start and getting on the back foot in pace-oriented races,” he said. “He had been doing his best work late and the sectionals indicated that, but luck just wasn’t going his way.
“Today he stepped away nicely and was in striking distance which made all the difference.
“He is such a wonderful racehorse, keeps coming back and he is our champion.”
Scott reiterated the next mission for the horse would be the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m), which will be run at Hastings on October 10.
Grylls was also delighted to collect another elite-level victory on the son of Proisir.
“From the barrier today, I didn’t want to get shuffled too far back and ended up exactly where I wanted to be on a good speed,” he said.
“He did get a bit fierce in the middle stages, but turning for home I was going that good I was able to get into the clear and he was tough and wouldn’t lie down.
“He has won four Group One races now, so he is obviously a very good horse.”
The day was also a triumph for Rich Hill Stud stallion Proisir, who is the sire of both Waitak and Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) winner Old Fashioned.
Bred by the late Colin Devine, and raced by his widow Jill, Waitak has now had 40 starts for nine wins, 11 placings and $2,026,987 in stakes. - LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
