Girl from Rosedale shows her colours

The level of satisfaction is hard to quantify.

All sorts of emotions were running free and wild when speedy harness racing mare Girl From Rosedale (Hurrikane Kingcole) scorched down the long and somewhat daunting Menangle home straight back on April 20.

Owner, breeder, and trainer Ryan Veivers made the call to chase feature race glory, originally nominated for the Group 3 $50,000 Sibelia Stakes, the Queensland mare was balloted from that event before contesting mares Up to 75 Pace on the same program.

Starting from a wide draw in the 1609m event and handled by Chris Geary for the first time, Girl From Rosedale drifted back and settled at the rear of the field.

The early pace was exceptionally fast with the first half clocked at 54.6 seconds.

Girl From Rosedale was still last and spotting the leaders at least 50m head start.

With the third quarter timed in 29.3 seconds, this allowed rivals back in the field to make their moves and Girl From Rosedale started to track up nicely.

At the top of the home straight, Geary tipped her to the extreme outside and activated the pull-down blinds and the bonny Queensland mare let down with a withering burst of speed.

In the space of a furlong, Girl From Rosedale went from last to first before drawing clear to win untouched by almost 10m when the judge called a halt.

The final split was 26.9 seconds.

And the winning mile rate was 1:50.8 – clearly a new PB mark for the four-year-old.

“I went south knowing she was in great shape. Her form back home was extremely consistent in the mares’ open races and hasn’t put in a bad run so far this year,” Veivers said.

“The draw had me a little worried because you’re relying on a fair chunk of luck and race tempo needed to be strong to give us a chance of finishing off, but it all worked out very well.

“This was my first win at Menangle. It’s very satisfying, and even more so when you own, bred, and train the horse.

“Seeing her in full flight coming up the straight was a special sight. She picked up them up so quickly and then drew off for a very dominant win while Chris (Geary – driver) hardly moved on her.”

Veivers has campaigned previously at Menangle with the likes of Gangster Boy, Ima Top Tycoon and Fioki representing his stable but Girl From Rosedale provided his maiden success at the spacious 1400m oval.

Girl From Rosedale is a mare by the ill-fated Hurrikane Kingcole from the Cammibest mare Bee A Miracle, a true Queensland pedigree with the crossover of both Egmont Park and Burwood Studs represented.

Bee A Miracle, a talented type in her own right with a record of three wins and four placings from just 10 starts before injury forced her into early retirement.

At stud, Bee A Miracle left Bee A Blessing (by Hurrikane Kingcole) as her first foal, she won three races while Girl From Rosedale was her second foal, and a Captain Ahab colt is the latest.

Named Betty, as a tribute to Ryan’s grandma (on his mum’s side), she was foaled on the same day as Betty’s birthday, so it was an obvious link while her race name also carries a direct pathway.

“Grandma hails from Rosedale, up near Bundaberg, so I thought it was an obvious choice and, luckily, we got the name approved,” Veivers said.

“Early on, I was a bit worried because she was walking a fine line and sacking her crossed my mind.

“I broke her in. She mouthed up well but once I got her onto the track, I couldn’t keep her on it.

“Certainly for the first lap or so as she had a mind of her own. I’d already paid the QBRED fee and that’s basically what saved her. It was a lucky break and rather fortuitous on my part.

“In the end, we managed to sort things out and she’s much easier to handle nowadays, except for the fact that the only horse she enjoys the company of is Glenledi Commander.

“Like most, she’s quite easy to deal with and is a good eater and drinker.”

Making continued progress during the early part of her career, Girl From Rosedale qualified at Albion Park in good order following several pleasing educational workouts.

Girl From Rosedale made her debut at Albion Park on October 4, 2022, and finished a tidy third behind Queenslander after flying the first section in 27.8 seconds, the overall mile rate was 1:55.3.

At her second start, Girl From Rosedale led throughout at Albion Park and rated a controlled 1:59.0 with Nathan Dawson taking the winning drive.

Since then, Girl From Rosedale has recorded another nine victories (all at Albion Park before scoring at Menangle.)

“I must admit, you wouldn’t give $500 for her if you watched her work solo. She just doesn’t put anything into her work when she’s working by herself but it’s completely different when she works with someone else,” Veivers said.

“Over the years, I’ve tried different pieces of head gear and now, it’s very simple and she’s thriving so I think we’ve sorted her out. Her speed is her greatest asset, unbelievable and awesome closing speed.

“Who knows what the future holds with her, but I know there’s still more to come. It would be incredibly special if she could win a feature race because I’ve trained her mother and grand dam.”

Girl From Rosedale failed to qualify for the Group 1 $200,000 Queen Elizabeth II Ladyship Mile at Menangle on May 4 after being unplaced behind Rakero Rebel in the Group 3 $50,000 Robin Dundee Stakes the week prior.

Maybe the Group 1 $150,000 Golden Girl on home soil at Albion Park on July 20 could be the crowning glory for Betty?

Imagine that satisfaction.

From Racing Queensland