KARAKONTIE’s multiple U.S. graded stakes winner Princess Grace added an Australian graded stakes win to her record on Saturday with a victory in the Hawkesbury Crown Stakes (G3) in New South Wales.
Going off as the favorite after finishing second in her Australian debut two weeks ago, the mare kept her spot on the rail in the 6 ½ furlong race as she raced in midpack. Shifted to the outside by Nash Rawiller in the final quarter, she had to check for a few strides during the move but once she was in the clear she went for the lead.
Taking command, Princess Grace pulled away to a 1 ¾ length victory for China Horse Club and trainer Chris Waller.
“Great ride from Nash.”
Former US mare Princess Grace gets a @nashhot special to take out the Group 3 @hawkesburyrc Crown for @cwallerracing, she defeated Expat with Dalchini charging home to snatch third. @tabcomau pic.twitter.com/ANh1naKz1l
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) April 22, 2023
“We were 50/50 whether we gave her a second run or waited for the Spring Carnival,” Waller’s Assistant and Racing Manager Charlie Duckworth told SKY Racing. “When she drew well, we said, ‘let’s take our chances’, especially when the track came up a 5 [soft side of good] rather than the heavy track. Nash gave her a beautiful ride, obviously it looked a bit dicey, but no better man to have than Nash on when you’re stuck in a bit of a tight spot. Exciting horse.”
Princess Grace had proved that she liked Australian conditions last out when second in the Sapphire Stakes (G2) in her first race back since selling for $1.7 million at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Keeneland November Sale. The mare sold at that sale after racing as a homebred for John and Susan Moore in the U.S.
Among the KARAKONTIE 6-year-old’s accomplishments are five graded stakes victories and three Grade 1 placings while in the U.S. Princess Grace is scheduled to compete in Australian Grade 1s later this year as well.
Princess Grace is out of the stakes placed Masquerade and is bred 3 x 3 to Sunday Silence. Masqurade is a half-sister to Grade 3 winner Svea Dahl, who also produced stakes winning Amazing Tale.
