First Seal Back on Top

In just her first start back after running sixth in the Group 1 Queen of the Turf Stakes in April, First Seal (Fastnet Rock) returned in top form on Saturday winning the Group 2 Millie Fox Stakes at Rosehill for trainer John Thompson and jockey Blake Shinn.

After a lengthy recovery from injury, Shinn commented “horses like First Seal are few & far between. It's great to see her back at the racetrack” while trainer John Thompson was emotional post-race, and told Sky Racing “I guarantee she’ll improve. She’s had a long time off. She’s a big gross mare, but top quality goes a long way."

Thompson confirmed First Seal will go to the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) in two weeks before deciding the mare’s autumn program.

First Seal was offered by Curraghmore Stud at Karaka 2013 and purchased by legendary trainer Bart Cummings for $700,000. She has repaid the investment by her large group of owners, including China Horse Club, Raffles Thoroughbred Racing, Think Big Stud, JSC Chua & Westcode Pty Ltd, winning over A$900,000 to date.