Philadelphia Storm hands NRL legend-turned-racehorse breeder Billy Slater first Flemington winner

NRL legend Billy Slater is still buzzing after Philadelphia Storm delivered the budding racehorse breeder his first Flemington winner.

Philadelphia Storm racing to victory at Flemington. Picture: Racing Photos

Flemington winner Philadelphia Storm has validated a passion project for Melbourne Storm legend-turned-racehorse breeder Billy Slater.

Philadelphia Storm held out the fast-finishing Secret Glamour on Saturday at Flemington to make it back-to-back wins for the three-year-old son of Choisir after a Wangaratta maiden blitz last month.

“It was a pretty big buzz for us actually,” Slater said on Sunday.

“He was our first winner only a few weeks ago … (now) our first city winner, it’s pretty special.

“It’s probably the most excited and rewarding feeling I’ve had in this part of my life.

“The harder you work to achieve something the more satisfaction you get and that was certainly the case yesterday.”

After retiring in 2018 the multiple NRL premiership fullback went full throttle into Slater Thoroughbreds with the broodmare Inishowen, in foal at the time to Wandjina.

The resulting horse, Inner Spirit, has raced twice for a pair of minor placings on the provincial circuit.

Inishowen, now in foal to King’s Legacy, has produced another three horses including Philadelphia Storm, an unraced $450,000 Redoute’s Choice colt and most recently a Pride Of Dubai filly.

Philadelphia Storm bounced through the win well enough for trainer Michael Moroney to consider extending the campaign, which started with a debut second at Echuca in late October.

Unlike Maher-Eustace-trained Inner Spirit and the Redoute’s Choice colt, currently spelling for Team Hawkes, Philadelphia Storm wasn’t ready in time to go to the Magic Millions Yearling Sale last year.

Good Blokes Society founder Shaun Wallis, a long-time friend of Slater, approached the NRL legend about syndicating Philadelphia Storm for the men’s sport and business network.

Slater said several AFL players including twins Max and Ben King owned a slice of Philadelphia Storm.

“The excitement about where he goes next is real and genuine,” Slater said.

“I’m really happy for Shaun and the connections.”

Queensland icon Slater, who will be at the Magic Millions in January as ambassador, hopes to be back selling at the auction in 2023 with his Pride Of Dubai filly and a daughter of Snitzel out of Press Review.

Slater credited industry friends and mentors, including Woodside Park and Arrowfield studs and leading bloodstock agent Damon Gabbedy, for his crash course in suitable racing pedigrees.

“It’s not just the racing industry, it’s the horses in general, they’re the priority for me,” Slater said.

“Whether they become a Group 1 winner or they’re a rescue pony we’ve got in the paddock, they’re all valued the same — that’s first and foremost for us, the love of the horse.”

Originally published as Philadelphia Storm hands NRL legend-turned-racehorse breeder Billy Slater first Flemington winner