It’s hard to improve a horse that has come from the Chris Waller stable, but Lucy Yeomans has managed to do it winning the $300,000 Group II MVRC Stocks Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield on Sunday with progressive mare Changing Colours.
A six year-old daughter of The Autumn Sun, Changing Colours transferred to Yeomans earlier this year as a three time metro winner with modest talents.
At her second start for her new stable, Changing Colours won at Flemington in July and followed up with wins at Caulfield and Sandown earning her a crack at the big time.
Ridden by Lucy’s partner Blake Shinn, Changing Colours let down with a big finish to power past race favourite Ass Appeal to win by a length.
"It's incredible. These are the things you dream about and we get out of bed for a horse like this,” said Lucy Yeomans.
"She's our one that is keeping the team alive at the moment as we've got all unraced horses. To have her as leading the way is really special.
"Group Two winning trainer, sounds quite nice doesn't it?
"Full credit to the team at home. We're a small team but we're all good mates and we work really hard. To win a race like this with Blake aboard. He rode our first winner and now he's ridden our first group winner.
"I can't thank this horse - Tippy - enough. She's so kind. We try and have our horses happy, healthy and this mare had a bit of swag about her today. She's knows she's good at the moment. She came here spot on today. There is not a thing wrong with her.”
Changing Colours has the overall record of seven wins and eight placings from 20 starts with prizemoney topping $635,000.
With a G2 win in the bag, connections can now look at bigger fish to fry.
"She's a G2 winner now, which is wild. We could look at the Empire Rose (G1) and we dreamed of a Toorak (G1). She's also a Magic Millions horse so there are options at the end of the year up in Queensland,” Yeomans added.
"We'll let the dust settle. She owes us nothing and if she's a bit tired and doesn't want to keep on with it tomorrow, we'll send her to the paddock.
"I feel really grateful for the team around me and to have Blake by my side. In the trainers' room, I didn't make a peep when watching it and they all applauded. Everyone has been so supportive and grateful and kind."
Blake Shinn was a happy man after the win.
“This is all about Lucy and forging her own business as a trainer. To get her first Group win on the board here is really special and we just have to thank the ownership group,” he said.
"To pull this win off today is like winning a group one for us, honestly. We got her as a 73-rater and now we've taken her to a G2 Stock Stakes. Just shows how good a trainer Lucy is and is going to be. I'm just so proud of her and the horse and the team.
"It is very, very special.”
Bred by Bromfield Park’s Bill Pearce, Changing Colours sold for $400,000 at Magic Millions in the Vinery Stud draft to Yes Bloodstock Pty Ltd/Group1 Bloodstock with her breeder retaining a share in the half-sister to $2.5million earner Nettoyer, who won both the Group I ATC Doncaster and Queen of the Turf Stakes.
Changing Colours is the second stakes-winner among six foals to race that are all winners from well related Dehere (USA) mare Cleanup, who was bought by Bromfield Park for $260,000 at the 2020 Inglis Chairman’s Sale when in foal to The Autumn Sun with Changing Colours the result of the mating.
Cleanup has a 2YO colt by Russian Revolution that made $150,000 at Magic Millions this year and a yearling filly to follow by Shinzo.
She was covered last year by The Autumn Sun, so will produce a full sibling to Changing Colours this spring.
Changing Colours is the 12th stakes-winner for The Autumn Sun and is his third this season.
The champion son of Redoute’s Choice is standing for his highest fee ever this year at Arrowfield priced at $137,500.
