Desert Lightning has become the latest galloper to claim Group 1 victories in two countries, taking out the $1 million Goodwood (1200m) at South Australia's Morphettville circuit in a deceptive photo finish.
A Thrilling Finish
Ridden by Luke Nolen, the $17 chance was taken to midfield before peeling deep on the final bend and looming up to challenge Grand Larceny ($18) and New York Lustre ($20) inside the final 100 metres. However, flyweight filly Extragalactic ($3.50 favourite) emerged from Desert Lightning's coattails to nudge ahead in the shadows of the post. Despite being almost a head in front a stride after the post, Extragalactic was beaten by a brutal head-bob that favoured Desert Lightning, who is owned by the Kiwi-based Chris and Sarah Green of Barneswood Farm.
Jockey's Reaction
"I wasn't sure I got there but good things happen to good people, they say. He's owned by some very good connections, so that was what got us over the line; it's not because I'm a good boy at all," Nolen said. "He's been going very well, the horse at home, and I'm tremendously pleased that he's able to win a Group 1 over in Aus. He's been around the mark over the longer trips, and it feels satisfying to get a job done with him here."
It was Nolen's second Goodwood glory after taking the 2012 edition with wonder mare Black Caviar. "I ran into Neil Werrett (owner) earlier – he had a runner here – and he said there's a nice picture of her in the committee room," Nolen said. "It does bring back memories. I shared a wonderful path with that mare and the ownership group. We've become friends for life because of our connection with that great mare. Those in Desert Lightning, they're beautiful and lovely to deal with as well."
Future Plans
The six-year-old, who won a Group 1 in New Zealand in 2023, firmed to $11 equal-favouritism for Queensland's Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) on June 13, in which he ran fourth last year. "I think he can maybe have a tilt – if he gets a sound weight – at a Stradbroke. He was slightly unlucky in that race last year, so he can nearly go straight from here to there," Nolen said. "He's got a good rating, so he'd have my weight. My weight is very good at the moment - I'm working very hard at it – so it's a great result."
Trainer's Comments
The Pride Of Dubai bay completed a longshot double for Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, who prepared $26 outsider Jewel Of Heaven to score at Caulfield. "He's such a tough horse. He's such a character. He's a genuine stable favourite and we just all adore him," Coleman said. "He's an older gelding and normally, they're the quiet ones and know their job and don't cause too much fuss. But he carries on out there like a two-year-old colt most mornings and upsets other horses on the track. I ride him a bit and our stable apprentice Emily Pozman rides him, too, and adores him."
Desert Lightning, who has now earned more than $2.2 million, has shown versatility through his career having contested a NZ Derby over 2400m as a three-year-old. However, Coleman says he simply thrives on low racing impact. "We thought he was going to be a horse that would stretch out over ground as well, but he just seems his best when he's happy and fresh and bouncing, and that's how he is today," she said. "It was a fantastic ride from Luke Nolen as well."
