Ruby’s Lad back with a bang first up

Ruby’s Lad showed he is in for a big spring with his impressive first up win at Gore

By Jonny Turner 

A sensational first-up victory at Gore showed exactly what kind of form Ruby’s Lad is capable of producing this spring.

Ruby’s Lad (Ghibellines-Ruby’s Gem-Gallant Guru) and rider Corey Campbell were in what commentator Justin Evans called a “hopeless” position on the home turn before they flew down the outer to score a brilliant victory over 1355m.

Ruby’s Lad stamped his class in six starts last time in, winning three and placing second in the Listed Gore Guineas.

As impressive as he was then, it is clear the horse has returned bigger, stronger and ready for more as a four-year-old.

That hopefully means a fruitful spring for his owners Brian and Lorraine Anderton, David and Cecily Cochrane and Stewart and Colleen Rutter.

“It was a great win, he had no right to get there really, but he ran very well,” Brian Anderton said.

“We had the option of taking him to Christchurch or going south.”

“We thought this would be the better mov first up, now he can go to Wingatui on Melbourne Cup Day and if he runs well there he can have a go at the last day of the New Zealand Cup meeting.”

“He did a great job last year but we did have a few problems with his feet.”

“He has come back in and everything has been perfect, we have been really thrilled with him.”

“He is a big horse and you would think he is only going to get better, so hopefully he does.”

Ruby’s Lad is an all-White Robe Lodge product, being by Ghibellines from the Gallant Guru mare Ruby’s Rose.

In another boost for the breed, Ruby’s Rose has produced an early positive test to Ancient Spirit.

The same day Ruby’s Lad ran to his impressive victory another WRL bred son of Ghibellines was impressing on the other side of the Tasman.

Henry The Lion (Ghibellines-Smudgee-Yamanin Vital) scored his second career win when strolling to victory at Coleraine in Victoria.

The five-year-old was born and bred at White Robe Lodge before being sold at the 2019 South Island Sale by John Foote Bloodstock for $48,000.

Another White Robe Lodge sire has also been in great form recently.

Gallant Guru was also in the winner’s circle at Gore with Sadler’s Lass (Gallant Guru-Blessed Thee-Star Way) registering her third career win.

Across the Tasman, Maxaway (Gallant Guru- Cee Gee Jay-Towkay) won over 1400m at Winton.