‘Everyone’s a winner’: Cash cow Willinga Beast in Glasshouse swan song

She’s the mare who boasts a perfect record for her new ownership … and now Willinga Beast is preparing to do a full 360 degree turn ahead of Sunday’s Listed Glasshouse Handicap.

Willinga Beast (right) used to race for Australian Bloodstock before being purchased by Arrowfield recently. Picture: Mark Evans / Getty Images.

Few horses have delivered more for breeder, owners and trainer with less wins than Willinga Beast, who is looking to sign off in style in the Listed Glasshouse Handicap at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday.

The mare has only won twice in her career but has been a money spinner for everyone involved, often competing at the top level against racing’s best.

Newcastle’s premier trainer Kris Lees recently returned from a European holiday and is looking to squeeze a last stakes win out of the Snitzel mare, who has done a full 360 degree turn in her career to end up where it all began.

“It’s a good story, she was sold by Arrowfield to Australian Bloodstock (for $625,000) at the Magic Millions, she won about $400,000 for them on the track in a couple of years,” Lees said.

“She went to the mares sale this year and Arrowfield bought her back for around the same money ($675,000) and she won the Hinkler (last month at Eagle Farm) first go for them, so everyone’s a winner.

“She won her first race start and then never won another race until the Hinkler, she had multiple Group placings however.”

Beast mode!

Willinga Beast takes the Listed Mark Hinkler Hcp for @Leesracing and @CWilliamsJockey!@[e-mail]/AUS5jKI2zH

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 15, 2024

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With the prospect of a Heavy 10 track, Lees said he had no concerns about the mare’s ability to get through the ground.

“Willinga Beast will handle the ground as well and it will probably be her swan song,” he said.

It comes as Lees confirmed he would not send the highly touted Point King around in the $300,000 Caloundra Cup on Sunday, instead aiming up for a possible tilt at the Grafton Cup next week.

The lightly-raced stayer is owned by Cups King Lloyd Williams and James Packer.

Kris Lees has a host of chances in the big money races at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday. Picture: Jeremy Ng / Getty Images.

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Lees also has Brudenell in the $200,000 Open Plate (1000m) in what will be a battle of the speed machines.

With a significant advantage on his rivals under plate conditions, Lees said the gelding can set himself up for a spring tilt.

“The horse is going really well and he will handle the heavy track no worries,” he said.

Originally published as ‘Everyone’s a winner’: Cash cow Willinga Beast in Glasshouse swan song