Cover image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
In this series, TDN AusNZ will take a look at Group 1 runners before they were successful on the racetrack; speaking to breeders, race educators and trainers on their formative years. Today, we take a look at the Milburn Creek-raised, Group 1-winning daughter of Written Tycoon, Coolangatta.
Coolangatta
Written Tycoon x Piping Hot (More Than Ready {USA})
Race Record
Winner - G1 Moir S. 1000m
Winner - R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic 1200m
Winner - G3 B.J McLachlan S. 1200m
Winner - G3 Gimcrack S. 1000m
Third - G1 Golden Slipper S. 1200m
Third - G2 McEwen S. 1000m
The Stud - Milburn Creek
TDN AusNZ: This was Piping Hot's second foal, what was the foaling down like?
Scott Holcombe: Foaling records confirmed straightforward, all was normal, but mum is like that! ‘Uncomplicated Lady’. No messing around!
TDN AusNZ: What was Coolangatta like as a weanling, did she have any particular mannerisms or traits?
SH: Coolangatta was very tough without being stupid! Very no-nonsense; feed me, work me, but don’t annoy me all day.
TDN AusNZ: Did she have any paddock mates growing up?
SH: Funny enough the photo with Ciaron (Maher) inspecting her in the paddock in the spring was her and two other fillies all bred by the Warrens. The chestnut filly by Capitalist x Flying Siren, now with Clint McDonald in Victoria and Spirt Of Boom x Lugyaa Filly with Tony Golan in Queensland.
Ciaron Maher inspecting Coolangatta as a yearling at Milburn Creek
TDN AusNZ: Could you foresee her success early on?
SH: Tough, but I wished I could say yes, but we just liked her as a forward filly we reared for the Warrens. She did a great job at the sales. Worked hard all day.
TDN AusNZ: How did Coolangatta handle yearling preparation?
SH: She would eat, work, sleep and did not appreciate too much fussing and the odd bite when she felt you needed reminding to, ‘Stop being annoying’!
TDN AusNZ: What do you think of the horse she has become?
SH: Obviously, we are proud of what she has done for us all and the thrill of watching her. She is great for team spirit on long days to remind us why we all put in so much!
You need to be able to dream with every crop of foals coming through.
Coolangatta after winning the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
TDN AusNZ: Coolangatta is obviously a fantastic flag-bearer for Milburn Creek, what does a horse like her mean to the farm?
SH: These high-level horses are what we all get up for and spend our time worrying over and enjoy discussing and dreaming of as soon as they take their first step in the early hours of the morning. They bring so much to your farm in recognising the huge effort in the day-to-day care of our horses for our people at all levels for what they put into our business.
The Buyer - Ciaron Maher Racing
TDN AusNZ: What was Coolangatta's temperament like at the sale, were there any particular qualities that helped in the decision to purchase her?
Will Bourne: She had a great temperament when looking at her, she got a little hot in the back ring but nothing too drastic. The depth of her girth and her athleticism was what really impressed Ciaron and myself.
Coolangatta as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
TDN AusNZ: Can you please explain Coolangatta physically as a yearling?
WB: She was always a very athletic yearling. Interestingly, she had open knees as a yearling and I did query if she would be able to get to the track as a 2-year-old, Ciaron’s training efforts and her ability quickly proved me wrong.
TDN AusNZ: How soon did you see something special in Coolangatta?
WB: She was always very natural; she had her first jump-out over 400 metres at Caulfield with Jye (McNeil) aboard and that was when we knew she had something classy about her.
David Eustace, Will Bourne and Ciaron Maher | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
TDN AusNZ: Does she have a nickname?
WB: Josie (her stable rider and strapper), who does such an amazing job with her, is yet to give her a nickname, she is undefeated so we better not change things up now.
