Randwick All Aged

Stakes (Group 1)

THE Pierro horse Pierata finally won a much sought after Group 1, the four-year-old having placed in three Group 1s before Saturday’s All Aged Stakes win over 1,400 metres at Randwick.

“I’m pretty relieved, we’ve been knocking on the door for so long,” said trainer Greg Hickman. “The pressure’s there, you try to ignore it but it’s always there and it becomes greater and greater every time you get beaten. You talk about having a good horse and how it can be life changing, but for a smaller stable like ours a horse like this is a life changer. I’ve got a little share in him so that will help along the way a bit.”

Ridden by Tommy Berry, Pierata defeated the serial Group 1 runner-up Osborne Bulls whose past four starts have all yielded that result. Third was the Fastnet Rock horse Siege Of Quebec.

“He travelled so sweetly for me in the run,” said Tommy Berry. “At the top of the rise, on the better going, he was able to let down with that signature turn of foot he has got.”

A $160,000 Magic Millions purchase Greg Hickman has left the door ajar for Brisbane.

“It depends what happens with stud deals,” he said. “I know Brisbane’s there and there’s a couple of nice Group 1 targets but I’d also be quite happy to freshen him up and run him in The Everest.”