SMOOTHIE'S Next Chapter

It’s the end of another successful trip down under in which SMOOTHIE was victorious in Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup!

It is simply incredible how Brian, Claire, Jess and all the team have been able to prepare, travel and train him to two Group level victories in back-to-back years in Victoria and our huge thanks go to them for making this all happen. And a special mention to both Jackson and Matt for looking after Smoothie so well whilst in Australia over for the past two years.

It wasn’t to be in the big one this year with the weather taking a turn for the worse on the eve of the Melbourne Cup but he may well be having another crack at it next year. Smoothie will be staying down under in the capable hands of Tim Fitzsimmons and I’m sure he will continue to strive out in Australia. Thanks to David Appleton for finding this horse 4 years ago at the HIT sales, he has been one hell of a purchase.

It has been great to welcome some new owners into Smoothie and have shared some great times already in the short time we were over there. Along with brilliant trips out to the Geelong Cup, Bendigo Cup, Cox Plate, Derby Day, Sydney and everything else in between it has once again been a trip of a lifetime.

Thanks to everyone again and let’s see what the next chapter brings!

Geelong Cup Victory for SMOOTHIE 🏆

ONESMOOTHOPERATOR (USA) provided us with a first Group race victory as owners and a special maiden success in Australia in the Group 3 Ladbrokes Geelong Cup on Wednesday.

Ridden expertly by jockey Craig Williams, Smoothie was settled towards the rear of the field before edging closer to the front of the race down the back straight. Into the home turn four-wide, Smoothie quickened up very smartly putting the race to bed in a matter of strides, striking in similar fashion to his victory in the Plate back in June.

Following the victory the Australian handicapper has decided that a 1kg penalty (2.2lbs) is sufficient for the Melbourne Cup. The penalty confirms that he will move up to 22nd on the order of entry all but ensuring his place in the big race. Craig Williams will again take the ride at Flemington.

The victory at Geelong is beyond anything we could have hoped for and we are so proud and thankful of Smoothie, Craig and all of the team down under. Brian & Claire have done a great job to get him primed for this trip and special thanks to Matt Brown who has been alongside Smoothie for every step of this journey to the other side of the world. The hard work has paid off and anything we now go on to achieve in Australia is a bonus.

Bring on the Cup!

Race replay can be found here:

https://www.racing.com/news/2024-10-23/news-review-onesmoothoperators-geelong-cup

Interview following the Geelong Cup success: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0a3984RI3Tedq6yuAJ7k96

Head over to our social media for the latest on Smoothies trip

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Head to Racing.com for all the latest news on the Melbourne Cup.

Photos courtesy of Racing Photos - photos.racing.com

SMOOTHIE Heads Down-Under!🦘

We are excited to share that ONESMOOTHOPERATOR (USA) has safely journeyed to Australia for an Autumn campaign hopefully closing with a run in the prestigious Flemington Melbourne Cup!

Arriving by plane in the early hours of 29th September, Smoothie travelled excellently maintaining his weight across the 36 hour total of travel. His handler, Matt Brown, who has also flown out to Australia, spent the duration of the Newmarket quarantine with the horse, riding him out every morning and taking care of him at Werribee International Horse Centre. He will continue to do so through the trip in Melbourne. Trainer Brian Ellison has also gone down-under and on touchdown in Australia said "Smoothie is in great shape, he travelled strongly and we are hoping he can secure a spot in the Melbourne Cup now." Currently at 40th on the waiting list to participate in"the race that stops a nation," Smoothie, if accepted through the cut, will run off bottom weight of 7st 12lb. This would mark our first appearance in the historic Melbourne Cup and hopefully not our last!

If Smoothie is balloted out of the Melbourne Cup, there are numerous alternative options available to him. The valuable Geelong Cup on 23rd October could well serve as an ideal preparation race for him and the prestigious Queen Elizabeth stakes on November 9th is the back-up target if he didn't get into the Melbourne Cup.

Onesmoothoperator Werribee gallop 21/02/2024

Our family are flying out to Melbourne in October in preparation for Smoothie's campaign and we cannot wait to see him run in Australia. Owner Patrick said "To potentially have a runner in Australia's most valuable race is extraordinary for us, and even if we don't get in the Melbourne Cup, the trip and experience as a whole will be a one to remember!" Whatever happens on this trip as a whole we will all cherish the experience greatly.

All fingers are crossed for Smoothie's successful and safe journey in Melbourne! 🦘