Exciting Bennett Racing import Warnie IRE announced himself as a future star after he put away a smart field at Flemington last Saturday. The Irish bred entire hadn’t raced since September last year when 5th in the Group 3 JC DE Turquie at Saint Cloud in France when trained by Joseph O’Brien. In three previous starts the colt had made his debut in the Listed Chesham Stks at Royal Ascot in June which was followed up by a maiden win at Bellewstown in Ireland. At his 3rd appearance Warnie IRE won the prestigious Listed Churchill Stks at Tipperary.
The colt was imported out to Australia and under the care of Ciaron Maher and his Teams he continued to flourish. A couple of trials before his Australian debut saw the import in great order at Flemington.
Carrying the big impost of 60kgs, Warnie IRE jumped cleanly under Ethan Brown and travelled well down the straight course 1200m, always within touch of the leaders. At the 200m he seemingly looked to be still travelling well and joined in for the fight to the line. And fight he did all the way getting the bob in right on the line winning by a head. Such a tough determined effort and showing that real will to win in good time. His impressive performance has already drawn attention as a horse with a bright future ahead. The win underlined his potential to climb the ranks quickly, particularly as he becomes more accustomed to Australian racing conditions
The decision to name the horse after the late Shane Warne adds a layer of intrigue to his story, as Warne was not only an Australian sports icon but also a lover of racing. Fittingly, Warnie’s racing style—confident, bold, and full of flair—mirrors the spirit of the legendary cricketer himself.
Warnie IRE was purchased from the 2023 Tattersalls 2yo HIT Sale by Bennett Racing / Blandford Bdstk – 65000gns. He is a son of International Champion Highland Reel, a brilliant global flag bearer for Aidan O’Brien’s all-conquering Ballydoyle stable in County Tipperary, Ireland. The son of mighty Coolmore sire Galileo out of the Australian Danehill mare Hveger he would go on to race 27 times around the world – most of those outings at the very highest level. He would register 10 victories – including success in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States and Hong Kong. Highland Reel also finished second on six occasions, and third in three further races. Known for his toughness as well as his class, he was a superb racehorse and a good sire. Highland Reel racked up 10 victories during his glittering globe-trotting time on track. In the process he scooped more than £7.5million in prize money for connections. Probably the highlight of Highland Reel’s top-class career was a superb victory in the Breeders’ Cup Turf in 2016. The son of Galileo also claimed two massive UK prizes in 2017, coming out on top in the Coronation Cup at Epsom and the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot. To prove his toughness and ability to cope with racing anywhere, he twice won the Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin – in 2015 and 2017.
Warnie IRE winning dam Cumbfree is a daughter of English 2000 Guinea’s winner & successful sire Footstepinthesand and a ½ sister to French Listed winner On Call Now. Warnie’s 2nd dam is a ½ sister to Group 2 winning & Group 1 placed sire Hellvelyn.
What a great thrill for all Warnie IRE owners. Firstly he ran a terrific race at Royal Ascot of which many of his owners were there, then he has delivered them a win followed by a Listed race win in Ireland and now he won at Flemington on debut in Australia. What a RIDE!
Congratulations to all owners in Warnie IRE and a big thankyou to Ciaron Maher and his Team for having the imported colt ready to win on debut here.
