Astapor justifies owner’s decision to resist million-dollar offers with all-the-way win at Eagle Farm

Astapor is giving his owner Rodney Hay a money-can’t-buy experience with his lastest win at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Astapor returned to his winning ways at Eagle Farm on Saturday. Picture: Grant Peters/Trackside Photography

Larrikin Queensland bushie Rodney Hay knocked back million-dollar offers for Astapor because he wants a good horse to race and the colt confirmed his opinion of him with a tough victory at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Hay paid $38,000 for the Tassort colt and took his earnings to $235,000 in the space of six starts after winning the QTIS 2YO Handicap (1200m), but it is what money can’t buy that Hay is chasing.

Earlier in the week, Hay quipped he owns a lot of slow horses, so was keen to hang on to any quick ones that happened to appear, and trainer Clinton Taylor is making hay while the sun shines.

Astapor wouldn't lie down! Jockey @judd_81 lifts the colt over the line for Rocky trainer Clint Taylor at Eagle Farm 💪 pic.twitter.com/MVZ8pShDgN

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 20, 2024

Taylor, who recently dominated his hometown carnival in Rockhampton with four winners and four second placings to win the $25,000 trainers bonus, was back in Brisbane on Saturday and said the wire-to-wire win justified the high opinion he has of the colt.

“I was kicking stones all week when the barriers came out, but once the scratchings came out of the race, it wasn’t too bad,” he said.

“I thought (jockey) Justin (Stanley) could go to the front on him and control the race that way.

“We have a big opinion of him, hence why we went to listed level and then dropping back in grade today, he was terrific.

“I have had the carnival in Rocky on so I haven’t been able to be here in Brisbane much with him, Desleigh (Forster) has done a great job with him, as she always does.”

Astapor’s owner isn’t interested in selling. Picture: Grant Peters/Trackside Photography

Sent out a $2.60 favourite, Astapor was made to work while lumping 60kg, but was able to hold off all challengers in a dominant performance.

“It was a big drop in class from where he has been racing, but they didn’t make it easy for him with 60kg,” Stanley said.

“I said to Clint the other day when we led over 1300m that I think he is probably a better horse with a bit of cover.

“Rodney Hay picked this horse out at the sales and we have really liked him all along, so it is great to get another win for him as he has been a big supporter of myself and Clint for the last few years.”

Originally published as Astapor justifies owner’s decision to resist million-dollar offers with all-the-way win at Eagle Farm