What a three weeks it’s been for Theresa Bateup, who’s prepared six winners as her stable continues its red-hot start to 2026.
Sebastian’s Flyer (Robyn Freeman) kicked off the winning run when triumphing in a 1600m Benchmark 58 Handicap at Queanbeyan on January 10.
Kitty Okay (Amy McLucas) then impressed with a dominant victory in the 1200m Maiden Plate at Kembla Grange on January 22.
Following up that effort, the ever-consistent Mr Fabulous (Brock Ryan) broke through for a well-deserved victory in the 2400m Benchmark 64 Handicap at Kembla Grange on January 28.
Putting the exclamation mark on a successful period for the stable, Bateup trained three winners over the Bega Cup Carnival at the Sapphire Coast.
Kicking off a massive two days, where the stable sponsored two races and had many owners on hand to celebrate the occasion, the Kooringal Stud-raced Sablonneuse (Brock Ryan, $7) was a first-up winner in the 1200m Maiden Handicap on Saturday.
Taken forward on a four-wide run from gate 10, the 3YO Sandbar gelding was gutsy, finding the front and holding on for an impressive victory.
The following day, Bateup trained a winning double, and it was pocket rocket Lady Yarrow kicking things off on a winning note.
Jess Taylor was in the saddle as the 4YO Shalaa mare, who started the well-supported $4 second favourite, stormed home for a comfortable four-length victory in the 1200m Class Two Handicap.
The stable’s best chance over the two days was arguably Brundee Tom, and while he started the $2.15 favourite in the $50,000 Super Maiden Plate (1400m), he was made to work hard for the victory.
Brock Ryan was in the saddle, and the pair got back in the race, which was run at a moderate tempo, but the 3YO Sandbar gelding’s class shone through as they finished strongly to land a very popular win.
It was a special two days for Bateup and her team, with her owners taking advantage of a great weekend on the coast.
The Sapphire Coast Turf Club were again a great host, and put on a splendid two days of racing, along with their Racing Expo and Calcutta, featuring the legend of the sport, Damien Oliver.
The weekend was also a watershed moment in season 2025/26, and while only at the halfway mark, Bateup can be pleased with her stable’s results.
Winning over half a million in prize money, the Kembla Grange trainer has prepared 13 victories along with another 32 placings.
On track for her best season in recent years, Bateup has a team of young horses coming through, including the likes of Edorado, Rubilace, Lindos, Yes Arnie, and Frosted Armour, who are all knocking on the door of a maiden victory.
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Words/Image: Jeff Hanson