Third G1 victory for Bernardini gelding

Bernardini gelding Boban bounced back to his brilliant best and staked his claim for Horse of the Year honors with a great win in the G1 Chipping Norton Stakes over a mile at Warwick Farm, March 8.

After claiming the G1 Epsom Handicap-Emirates Stakes double in the Spring, Boban was a beaten favorite in his first two starts this campaign behind star Commands mare Appearance. However, with Glyn Schofield back in the saddle, Boban produced his trademark finishing burst to storm home over the top of hot favourite It’s A Dundeel and record his third G1 victory.

Bred by Tony Thomas, Boban is the sixth winner but only Stakes winner for G1 AJC Oaks winner Kenbelle who produced a full brother to Boban last Spring.

Boban becomes the first triple G1 winner for Bernardini who is also the sire of multiple G1 winners Alpha, Stay Thirsty and To Honor And Serve. Two-year-old Bernardini filly Platinum Balos also ran third in the G1 Diamond Stakes at Ellerslie in New Zealand earlier in the day to become her sire's 14th G1 performer.

Bernardini stands at Jonabell Farm at a fee of $100,000 live foal, stands and nurses.