Theresa Bateup continued her hot start to the year, landing a winning double at the Sapphire Coast on Sunday.
It was one of the club’s flagship meetings as they hosted the $150,000 SERA Championships qualifier, and Bateup brought up wins eight and nine of 2026.
Kicking off the program with a victory, Amy McLucas guided Eltrum ($4.20) to a two-length victory from stablemate Farsain (Brock Ryan, $7) in the 1000m Maiden Handicap.
Later on the program, Brock Ryan helped Sablonneuse ($4.60) to an impressive two-length victory in the 1400m Benchmark 58 Handicap.
Bateup said her recent run of wins came down to patience and hard work.
“We were always hoping this was going to happen, as we have a nice team up and racing,” Bateup said.
“A lot of those younger horses that have had those educational preps and needed time are now furnishing into nice horses.
“It’s been two years planning for a lot of them, and they are horses that we had a bit of an opinion of, but just needed time.
“Plus, we have a few older horses going through the grades, and now it’s about placing them right.”
Eltrum won on debut for Bateup, with the 3YO Anders gelding jumping to the front before making every post a winner.
“He had a trial and two jump outs, and he’s taken that time and wasn’t ready both mentally and physically, but he’s furnished with his last spell, and it’s been good to see him come out first up and win like that,” Bateup said.
“Plus, it is a really good group with lots of owners. Some are long-term owners, and for some owners, this is the first horse they have had with me.”
An exciting horse is Sablonneuse, who’s won two of his past three, and looks destined for bigger things.
Bred and raced by Kooringal Stud, he’s another son of Sandbar in Bateup’s stable that looks set to get over more ground.
“What is exciting about him is that he doesn’t know what he is doing,” Bateup said.
“He’s still learning what it’s all about, and we don’t know where the bottom is with him.”
The 3YO will be tested in provincial class next time out as connections consider their options going forward.
“He’ll have another run,” Bateup said.
“I spoke with Angus (Lamont) at Kooringal this morning, and we were looking at our options.
“He wants further, and so does Brundee Tom, and they are both by Sandbar, so we’re looking at a race over a mile at Kembla Grange next start, and that will give us a good guide of what’s next.
“If he continues to step up, there are some 3YO staying races; he’s got a great attitude, and he’s a sound horse, and thriving on his racing, but we’ll take it run by run.”
Adding to what was already a good day for Bateup at the Sapphire Coast, the stable also celebrated the birthday of owner and supporter, Michelle Toogood.
Now everyone’s focus is on a busy week, which includes race meetings at Kembla Grange on Tuesday, Warwick Farm on Wednesday, and Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Words: Jeff Hanson
Image: Bradley Photos