It is with great pride today that we announce the retirement of SUAVITO. What a ride it has been for connections, Nigel, and all of us at Blackiston Racing.
When a young filly by THORN PARK arrived in our stable at Flemington, one could never imagine that she would one day retire after eight victories, five at Group level, and earn more than $1.3m in prize money.
Suavito was bred by Domenic Li (IDL Racing), then foaled and raised at New Zealand’s longest running commercial stud farm Trelawney Stud operated by Brent and Cherry Taylor. She then spent time under management and education at Maryanne and George Simon’s Mana Park, well known for producing quality, tough thoroughbreds.
Initially leased from Domenic Li based on the recommendation of bloodstock adviser Jen Campin, Suavito arrived at Flemington and our staff quickly got to know her well. She kept her handlers on their toes, like many very good fillies and mares do!
In her very first gallop, Suavito showed ability that was above average. After her first career start at Ballarat in September 2013, running second to Solicit who developed into a very talented horse as well, it was clear she had a promising race career ahead.
The Lessee group exercised their right to purchase Suavito early in her career. However her new owners still only dreamed of watching their purchase rise to Group 1 level.
Her first two victories and then a stakes-placing at her fifth start was a big thrill for the ownership group, as were two further stakes-placings in the Autumn of 2014.
However in the Spring of 2014, Suavito improved with maturity and developed into an elite Group performer. After infamously refusing to leave the barriers one day at Flemington, the blinkers were removed and a remarkable run of success followed. Four Group wins in succession, including the Group 1 Futurity Stakes, proved her consistency and toughness.
“She is one of the toughest fillies or mares I have dealt with. She can race on the pace or off it, in the pack or out wide, and has a great will to win.”
– Nigel Blackiston.
She suffered a minor bone-chip as her 2015 Spring campaign was just getting started, requiring four months spell. That extended break saw her return stronger than ever to score another Group 1 win in the 2016 Orr Stakes, again at Caulfield. Along with Littorio’s first-up victory in the 2011 Maybe Diva Stakes after a long lay-off, this was one of Nigel’s most pleasing achievements as a trainer.
Our stable staff and track riders, particularly Gemma Hayward (pictured in some of these photos), have played a key role throughout Suavito’s career. Her race record is also a great reward for them, and for our team of vets (Emma Nicol, Equivets Victoria), farriers (Mick Grogan and team), agistment partners (Fulmen Park) and physio therapist (Kate Sagar). They are so important in every horse’s career, even more so when returning from injury.
Suavito’s presence in our stable will of course be missed, but we are thrilled to have experienced the ride that she has given us and her connections. We wish her and her new owners, Waikato Stud, all the best. She will be served by Savabeel in coming weeks.
We look forward to seeing a younger Suavi on the racecourse one day in the future with a similar spirit and will to win.
Thank you Suavito, take a bow.
Suavito
Bred by: Domenic Li, IDL Breeding (NZ)
Foaled and raised by: Brent and Cherry Taylor, and the team at Trelawney Stud (NZ)
Early management by: Maryanne and George Simon, Mana Park (NZ)
Recommended by: Jen Campin, Jen Campin Bloodstock (NZ)
Owned by: Ian and Karyn Lewis, Peter and Helen Latoszynski, Denise Anderson, Murray and Bronwyn Bowden, John Loh, Dean Godfrey, Andy and Nadene McIntyre, Philip and Karen Humphreys, Ray Cotter, M F Racing Syndicate (Mgr: Vince Moro), and Cathy and Michael Laughlin
