First & Second For Contributer & Hartnell In Australian Group One
Contributer gave Godolphin Group One success in Australia for the first time since its new operation in the country commenced last year.
Contributer gave Godolphin Group One success in Australia for the first time since its new operation in the country commenced last year.
Godolphin also had the half-length runner-up, Hartnell, in the Liverpool City Council Chipping Norton Stakes over a mile on turf at Warwick Farm on Saturday, February 28.
Both horse are trained by John O'Shea who said: "It's a privilege to train for the boss (His Highness Sheikh Mohammed) and to be given the chance to work with horses like Contributer and Hartnell.
"It is a lovely result for everyone and a great team effort more than anything. This is only the start."
The Group One success came on a good day at Warwick Farm for Godolphin, John O'Shea and jockey James McDonald, thanks to three Group victories. Exosphere won the Group Two Pro-Ride Skyline Stakes and It's Somewhat took the Group Three Liverpool City Cup.
Contributer chased the leaders in sixth towards the inside in the Liverpool City Council Chipping Norton Stakes and moved up to be fifth and then fourth of the 15 runners.
He came wide into the straight to challenge and disputed the lead before going to the front with over a furlong remaining.
The five-year-old ran on well and increased his advantage before Hartnell, with James Doyle up, came through late to get within a half-length at the line.
Four-year-old Hartnell, having his first start in Australia, was drawn wide in stall 14 and initially raced on the outside before being settled in second last towards the inside.
He moved through the field in the straight and finished strongly to give Godolphin first and second.
The winning time on good ground was 1m 36.54s.
John O'Shea added: "Contributer took the lead and just held off his stablemate Hartnell.
"He did a great job, was ridden a bit further forward than normally but got everything done on the day.
"He is better when ridden over a bit further and a bit quieter going forward but he is now a Group One winner in Australia so it was a good result.
"Coming out of the corner, Hartnell gave a big kick to thread his way through the field to throw himself at the line and close on Contributer in great style.
"This was his first run in Australia and at weight-for-age indicated that he has a bright future."
