Three wins in two days, including a provincial staying victory and a Sapphire Coast double, have propelled Theresa Bateup to 25 wins and over $1 million in earnings for season 2025/26.
Flying the stable’s flag this season, with four victories in 13 starts, including two provincial wins, is the Kooringal Stud-bred and-raced Sablonneuse.
The three-year-old Sandbar gelding, a winner between 1200m and 2400m, is a versatile and tractable racer that has developed a winning affinity with the in-form Brock Ryan.
On Saturday, the Kembla Grange galloper stepped up to 2400m for the first time and produced a strong finishing burst to triumph in the Benchmark 64 Handicap.
While a well-deserved spell is beckoning, Sablonneuse is being kept on ice this week, with connections considering a metropolitan tilt and quick backup in the 2400m Benchmark 72 Handicap at Randwick on Wednesday.
Sablonneuse has drawn gate four in the eight-horse field.
Following Saturday’s win, Bateup’s stable marched on at the Sapphire Coast on Sunday, with a couple of well-deserved wins for the consistent gallopers.
Hussy La Vista had been racing well without a lot of luck, but under the urgings of Jess Taylor, stormed to a dominant 2.32-length win in the $40,000 Super Maiden Plate (1410m).
The three-year-old Star Turn filly is a striking type, and connections will be hoping the penny has dropped as she continues her career.
Later on the program, Lantau Island produced a thrilling last-to-first victory in the 1610m Class One/Maiden Plate.
The five-year-old Star Turn gelding has been plagued with wide draws, and despite starting from gate 12, Brock Ryan had Lantau Island racing quietly and rode him for luck, weaving a passage to victory to win by a half-length.
Lantau Island was a $7000 purchase via the Inglis Online Sale in February, and with new owners joining the stable to race him, it was a big win as he took his earnings to over $70,000.
The stable nearly left the Sapphire Coast with a treble as Watch Me Tango raced well on debut in the 1210m Maiden Handicap.
Ridden by Jess Taylor, the 2YO Written By filly finished second, beaten only half a length
Words: Jeff Hanson