Homebred Chalk Stream gives King Charles his first winner in Australia

Homebred Chalk Stream provided King Charles with his first winner as an owner in Australia on Thursday when landing the Listed Australia Day Cup at Warwick Farm

The five-year-old was a 104th individual stakes winner, from 834 starters, for Aga Khan Studs stallion Sea The Stars, and it was a comfortable victory too in the mile and a half event. Sent off a $21 chance in the market for trainer Chris Waller, the gelding stayed on strongly in the closing stages to pull three lengths clear of favourite Spirit Ridge, with a further head back to Military Mission in third. 

"Chris has had plenty of highlights in his career but I'd say this would be right up there," said assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth. "He [Chalk Stream] turned it into a real staying test today and he was dominant. It's a massive thrill to have the horse in training, let alone to go and win a nice race like today." 

Chalk Stream was bred by the late Queen out of Sadler's Wells mare Golden Stream, herself a dual Listed winner in the royal silks, and also Group 3-placed.

Chalk Stream is a full-brother to Group 3 Solario Stakes winner Reach For The Moon and half-brother to winner Invictus Prince, by Dansili, who finished a two-length second behind champion mare Winx in the 2018 renewal of the Winx Stakes. 

Sea The Stars stands at Gilltown Stud for a fee of €180,000, making him Ireland's priciest sire.

Subscribe to  make sure you never miss updates from Australia, New Zealand and beyond and to have ANZ Bloodstock delivered to your inbox every day