War King stamped himself as a colt to follow with an eye-catching performance at the Gold Coast on Friday night, breaking through for his first career win in impressive fashion.
The talented 3-year-old Pierata colt, trained by Ciaron Maher, headed north after showing promise in his earlier starts – including a strong fourth at Rosehill last month in a competitive Super Maiden over 1400m.
Ridden by leading hoop Ryan Maloney, War King jumped sharply from the barriers and initially tried to settle behind the leaders. Showing a touch of inexperience early, the colt began to over-race before Maloney allowed him to stride forward and sit just off the leader. Once the field hit the straight, it was a truly one-act affair – War King exploded clear with 200 metres to go, galloping away to score in dominant fashion.
The victory was a richly deserved result for his loyal ownership group, who have watched War King learn his craft race by race. There is plenty of upside as this exciting colt continues to mature and is stretched out over further distances later in his preparation.
With his promising career now officially underway, War King looks a colt with plenty more to offer in the months ahead.
Congratulations to Ciaron Maher, jockey Ryan Maloney, and all of War King’s owners on a fantastic night at the Gold Coast which brought up a winning double on the day for the Triple Crown team.
Ownership: Triple Crown Warpath, CWM, Mr B M Easton, Mr D Ross, Aitutaki, Mr P R Stucki, Mr T Billington, Mr M Ramalli, Mr C A Vennell, Mr A Joyce, P Wilson, Mrs J J Murphy, Mr S P McGrath, Mrs M R Williams, Mr N D Quinlan, Mrs J Newling, Mr R M Woolsey, Mr J Green, Mr W N Folpp, Mr A J Dewar.
