Clinton McDonald‘s airborne filly Hayasugi defied her underdog status to etch her name in racing history, becoming only the second filly ever to sweep the Blue Diamond series and capture the prestigious Group 1 $2 million Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) after her lead-up wins in the fillies’ Preview and Prelude races.
2024 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Hayasugi was too good taking out the rare series’ treble. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
Hayasugi’s victory echoed the feat of Midnight Fever in 1987, solidifying her place among racing’s elite.
Dismissed by many at 20/1 odds, the tenacious filly displayed remarkable grit to lead an all-filly first four in the juvenile’s feature, defying the dominance of colts and geldings.
McDonald was ecstatic, praising Hayasugi’s “determined” and “tough” spirit.
Jockey Jamie Kah, who narrowly missed victory with Revolutionary Miss two years ago, expressed disbelief at the filly’s ability to overcome challenges and secure the win.
“I still can’t believe it,” she told Racing.com. “This filly, I don’t know how she does it. She gives them plenty of head start, she was wide again, she just finds a way. She’s just so tough. She’s amazing.”
The race unfolded with Spywire leading the field initially, before Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott‘s Group 3 Widden Stakes winning filly Lady Of Camelot surged ahead at the 200m mark.
However, Hayasugi ($16), with a brilliant final charge, overtook Lady Of Camelot to claim the coveted trophy.
South Australian visitor Kuroyanagi on the back of a second in the Prelude completed the trifecta just ahead of the consistent Eneeza from the Moody/Coleman stable.
Hayasugi’s historic win has opened the door for an even greater challenge: the Group 1 $4.92 million Golden Slipper Stakes in Sydney on March 23rd.
Following in the footsteps of Sepoy (2011), she aims to become the first Blue Diamond winner in over a decade to achieve the coveted double.
With her unwavering determination and McDonald’s guidance, Hayasugi’s journey promises to be one to watch.
Click here for the full Blue Diamond Stakes race results in 2024.
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