Skip to Content

Stokes stable celebrates, while Serious Spender lands 100k final

The Phillip Stokes stable had plenty of reason to celebrate post-Christmas with Symphonette bringing up their 1000th winner at Morphettville on Saturday.

It’s been a massive couple of years for the stable after their expansion into Victoria, going at 22.51 per cent over the border – while the South Australia operation is almost as impressive with a strike-rate of 20 per cent.

Stokes has been quick to acknowledge his family for the successful venture interstate which has seen eldest son Tommy, 22, rise quickly to the challenge of managing the Adelaide operation.

Tommy said he was “very proud” of his father.

“He deserves all the success he gets,” Tommy said.

“Everyone knows he’s a very hard worker (and) the way he’s built up his business is remarkable.

“I’m also proud of the team. It’s a credit to everyone.”

And the Stokes stable is poised for a big start to 2021 with the return of exciting filly Instant Celebrity, who is back in work with some autumn carnival targets in mind.

Meanwhile Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas claimed Saturday’s $100,000 Southern Speed Final with Serious Spender, the horse carrying the same colours Southern Speed did to win the 2011 Caulfield Cup.

Jessica Eaton continued her brilliant season with a double, sharing riding honours with Jake Toeroek and Karl Zechner.

And over the border the development of young SA riding talent Will Price continued with a double at Caulfield on Boxing Day.

Jacob Opperman had a big day at Naracoorte on Sunday, riding three winners, including Blue Lake Boy and Thanasi both for dad Jamie.

Opperman is poised to make his metropolitan riding debut at Gawler on Saturday.

Post categories

Racing SA - Racing Racing SA - Latest News