Challenge Cup Triumph for Famous Jonathn (NZ)

Karaka graduate Famous Jonathn (NZ) (Deep Field) claimed the biggest win of his career so far with a brilliant front-running performance in Sunday’s M$800,000 Chairman’s Challenge Cup (1200m) in Macau.

The Ben Kwok-bred gelding went through the Karaka sale ring twice in 2021, fetching $60,000 in Book 1 of Karaka 2021 and $80,000 at the Ready to Run Sale later in the year. His 17-start career has now produced six wins and five-second placings, earning the equivalent of almost NZ$300,000 in stakes.

Famous Jonathn had never won a stakes race before Sunday, and he faced a formidable line-up in the big sprint, including two-time defending champion Star Of Yiu Cheung (Casino Prince). But the emerging three-year-old rose to the occasion in superb style with visiting Australian jockey Nash Rawiller in the saddle.

Breaking only fairly from the inside gate, Famous Jonathn was quickly driven forward by Rawiller and slid through on the inside of expected front-runner Yulong Command (Written Tycoon) to take the lead within the first 400 metres.

It was a one-horse race from there, with Famous Jonathn opening up a wide advantage coming down the side of the track and rounding the home turn four lengths clear of his nearest challenger.

Star Of Yiu Cheung led a pack of closers chasing him hard down the straight, but Famous Jonathn never came back to them. By the time he swept past the finish line, he was still two and a half lengths ahead and stopped the clock at 1:09.9.

Famous Jonathn is one of two winners from two foals to race out of the Redoute’s Choice mare Miss Majella, who is a half-sister to the Australian triple Group One winner Mentality (Flying Spur).