Classy Bride claims Bow Mistress

Rebel Bride has emerged from Lady Lynette’s shadow with an outstanding victory in the G3 Bow Mistress Trophy at Elwick.

Regarded as Tasmania’s best mare of the modern era, Lady Lynette banked over $1.13 million in a career highlighted by four black-type wins in Melbourne and the 2011 edition of the Bow Mistress.

Lady Lynette had her colours lowered when attempting a second Bow Mistress twelve months ago.  Rebel Bride beat her that day and class prevailed once again at weight-for-age on Sunday.

Tasmania’s premier event for mares was also a triumph for Armidale Stud.  The Whishaw family have been the State’s premier breeders for three generations and Lady Lynette (Ladoni) and Rebel Bride (Telesto) are both by Armidale stallions.

“She’s arguably our best racehorse now,” trainer Leon Wells claimed.  “Last year’s Bow Mistress was an after-thought but this time around we set her specifically for the race.”

Rebel Bride (4m Telesto – Striking Sort by Blazing Sword) was caught three wide but jockey Stephen Maskiell didn’t panic when Melbourne raider Tariana skipped clear at the top of the straight.  “She’s flying and I was confident she could pick up the leader,” Wells said.  “We’ve won lots of major races but this one means so much to our family.

“My wife Marie’s father Claude Best trained Bow Mistress so it’s a very emotional win.”

Rebel Bride’s connections are already looking towards a suitable race in Melbourne, however, her next test in Tasmania will be the LR Vamos Stakes in Launceston on February 20.

Lady Lynette dominated the Vamos Stakes winning three of them in the last four years before retiring to stud.  She is now in foal to Darley champion Medaglia D’Oro.

Rebel Bride’s sire Telesto has a colt from Armidale Stud’s stakes-placed mare Why For (Lot 134) at the Tasmanian Magic Millions on February 14.  A big, strong, strapping bay colt, he’s inbred to the wonderful mare Best In Show.

Lady Lynette’s sire Ladoni has five yearlings entered including Armidale’s half-sisters to black-type performers Forbidden Quest (Lot 38) and White Hart Lane (Lot 43).

– Karl Patterson