Blake Shinn rides Bois D’argent to victory in the Doomben Cup 2024 (Photo Racing Queensland)
Coota’s Jeff Bristow is over the moon after a horse he part owns took out the prestigious Doomben Cup on May 24.
Jeff told the Times, “I bought into it about two years ago. He’s a seven year old gelding. He’s had one win since we’ve had him and quite a few placings.
Bois D’Argent has proven an astute purchase with the latest win bringing in $600,000 for the syndicate. He also has good form at the top level and has run fourth in the Caulfield Cup.
“He’s a handy horse. He was second in the Wyong Cup, second in the Caloundra Cup, 4th or 5th in the Newcastle Gold Cup and in the Tancred Stakes this year, ran two lengths seventh.
“Blake Shinn rode him on Saturday and rode him a treat. It was a Group 1 race. I didn’t get a chance to get up there. Annabel Neasham trains him and she wasn’t going to start him. I cancelled my flights and accommodation and then last Tuesday she decided to enter him.
Jeff won’t be missing the next opportunity to watch Bois D’Argent which is French for Silver Wood when he heads up to Eagle Farm on June 15 in the Q22 $2 million race. After this race, the gelding will likely go for a spell before he comes back for the spring.
Jeff explained the success of Bois D’Argent. “He’s English bred and raced in France. They mature a lot later.
“I was sitting at home watching the race with my wife Di. We did a bit of roaring once he got over the line. It’s my first Group 1. It’s hard to explain. Just exhilarating.
“I’ve got a couple of mates that have got Group 1’s. I know the guys who have shares in Overpass. They were happy when it won a Group 1 and now I’ve joined them.
“I’ve had horses most of my life, not as good as this bloke. He’s hitting form and he’s rock hard fit. Annabel trains him to a treat. She is a very good trainer.
“Just coming down to earth. It’s a bit surreal. When you buy into these things you don’t think you are going to get to these dizzy heights, but it’s a real blast.
“He’s always picking up cheques. I think he’s up to $1.3 million now.
“I’ve got about four horses at the moment, just got shares in them and had a bit of success. I’ve got a three year old with Bjorn Baker, he’s had three starts for a third, a first and a fourth in open company.
“I’ve been pretty lucky. I race with a mob called On Track Thoroughbreds, based out of Queensland.
“He’s got a fantastic temperament. He’s a beautiful horse. Di has always had horses and we have horses here in our paddock at Coota.
“He started at 23/1 and we got him at a good price.
“A lot of people backed him in Coota.
“He would make a good clerk of the course horse after his racing career. He’s just got a beautiful temperament. You could walk him through your house and he wouldn’t break anything.
“We were lucky to have Blake Shinn on him on Saturday. That was Blake’s third Doomben Cup win and he paid tribute to Guy Walter who was his mentor, who died about ten years ago. It was a special moment.
