Tulloch Lodge celebrated another landmark achievement with Tropical Squall‘s victory in the 2024 Surround Stakes, marking their fifth win in the prestigious race.
Tropical Squall wins 2024 Surround Stakes first-up for Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott. Photo: Steve Hart.
Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Tropical Squall returned to Group 1 form in impressive fashion at Randwick.
Despite her previous Flight Stakes at elite level at the track in the spring, Tropical Squall went largely overlooked as a fresh runner in the race.
However, she displayed her fighting spirit, holding off a strong challenge from Stefi Magnetica to claim victory under jockey Adam Hyeronimus, earning his fourth career Group 1 win.
Hyeronimus, channelling Nash Rawiller’s winning ride on Think It Over in the Group 1 Verry Elleegant earlier in the day by utilising the inside line advantage, took the lead from the start and maintained a strong pace throughout.
Tropical Squall ($8.50) displayed remarkable resilience, edging out Stefi Magnetica ($17) in a thrilling finish.
The trifecta was completed by Chris Waller‘s triple-figure roughie Tutta La Vita ($100), with the favourite Learning To Fly ($3.60) narrowly missing out on a podium position.
This victory served as a sweet redemption for Hyeronimus, who had lost the ride on Golden Slipper favourite Storm Boy earlier in the day with the colt successful in the Group 2 Skyline Stakes under James McDonald.
It also bolstered the impressive record of both trainers. Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott secured their 25th Group 1 victory as a partnership, while Waterhouse reached her individual milestone of 134.
Co-trainer Adrian Bott acknowledged Tropical Squall’s improved physical condition and expressed confidence in her future potential, despite initial concerns about her fitness for the first-up race.
He highlighted the Coolmore Classic as the next potential target, followed by options like the Vinery Stud Stakes and the Doncaster Mile, depending on her performance.
“The 1400 meters seems to be her sweet spot,” Bott concluded, “and allowing her to strengthen up has made all the difference. She has tactical speed and is a versatile filly with a promising future.”
Tropical Squall’s performance in the Surround Stakes not only showcased her talent and fighting spirit but also served as a testament to the successful training partnership of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.
With exciting options ahead, Tropical Squall has the potential to further solidify her position as a rising star in Australian racing.
2024 Surround Stakes Results
| Finish | No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Margin | Bar. | Weight | Penalty | Starting Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | TROPICAL SQUALL | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Adam Hyeronimus | 2 | 56kg | $8.50 | |||
| 2 | 12 | STEFI MAGNETICA | Bjorn Baker | Tommy Berry | 0.12L | 1 | 56kg | $17 | ||
| 3 | 7 | TUTTA LA VITA | Chris Waller | Tyler Schiller | 1.8L | 3 | 56kg | $101 | ||
| 4 | 4 | LEARNING TO FLY | Annabel Neasham | Chad Schofield | 1.83L | 6 | 56kg | $3.60F | ||
| 5 | 8 | MAKARENA | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Tim Clark | 2.25L | 12 | 56kg | $7.50 | ||
| 6 | 10 | ROLL ON HIGH | Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | Billy Egan | 3.46L | 11 | 56kg | $9 | ||
| 7 | 3 | KIMOCHI | Gary Portelli | Jason Collett | 3.72L | 7 | 56kg | $6 | ||
| 8 | 5 | TIZ INVINCIBLE | Ciaron Maher | James McDonald | 4.04L | 5 | 56kg | $7 | ||
| 9 | 6 | KRISTILLI | Annabel Neasham | Zac Lloyd (a) | 4.63L | 8 | 56kg | $18 | ||
| 10 | 11 | ARCTIC GLAMOUR | Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | Kerrin McEvoy | 5.41L | 9 | 56kg | $20 | ||
| 11 | 2 | ZARDOZI | James Cummings | Tom Marquand | 6.21L | 10 | 56kg | $26 | ||
| 12 | 9 | AUTUMN BALLET | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Regan Bayliss | 7.59L | 4 | 56kg | $101 | ||
| 13 | KIND WORDS | Kris Lees | Sam Clipperton | 0 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team.
THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
