Written by Paul Vettise
Triple Crown promotes its syndication operation with the catch phrase Live the Dream and how true that has been over the last five years for the company and its partners in the sprinting marvel Redzel (Snitzel).
The curtain came down on the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained star this week with the announcement of the gelding’s retirement following a star-studded career that netted a remarkable $16,444,000 in stake earnings.
That’s a far cry from the $120,000 Triple Crown directors and brothers Chris and Michael Ward shelled out to secure Redzel as a youngster when he was offered by Marquee Stud at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in 2014.
Redzel as a yearling
“When we first found him at the Magic Millions we were all obviously very hopeful that he might make a top class racehorse, but we could never have dreamed that he would reach the heights he has,” Chris Ward said.
“He was just a really well-balanced and athletic individual and moved particularly well. He had the pedigree to back that up being a son of Snitzel out of Millrich, who was an outstanding horse herself. We thought he would give us every chance.
“He’s been an absolute dream horse and to do what he has done has been incredible. He has taken us all on an almighty journey.”
“He’s been an absolute dream horse and to do what he has done has been incredible. He has taken us all on an almighty journey.” – Chris Ward
Redzel was a debut winner at Warwick Farm as a 2-year-old and went on add a further 14 victories to his name and over the last three seasons he firmly established himself in the top echelon of Australian sprinters.
He was successful in the G1 Doomben Classic in 2017 and later that year he beat Vega Magic (Lope De Vega {Ire}) to win the inaugural running of The Everest.
Redzel successfully defended his title 12 months later at the expense of the now-retired Trapeze Artist and at his following start claimed top honours in the G1 Darley Classic.
He was unplaced in The Everest last year and, after a break, returned to finish runner-up in both the G1 Lightning and the G2 Challenge S. before finishing third in the G1 TJ Smith S. in his swansong appearancee.
“The key to our business is having top class racehorses and he’s obviously led the way. We have been very fortunate to have had him running around for us,” Ward said.
“You never want a ride like that to end I guess, but the reality is that they all have to retire at some point in time. It was of the utmost importance that he retired healthy and well.”
Gallery: Some of Redzel's winning moments
The connections of Redzel have yet to decide where the 7-year-old will retire to.
“There are a number of options and people have started to express an interest in him. We’ll figure it out over the next couple of weeks with the owners,” Ward said.
“First and foremost we’ll make sure he’s well looked after for the remainder of his days to have a happy and long life.”
