Niance returns with dominant win in Bel Esprit Stakes at Caulfield after recovering from mystery skull fracture

Talented mare Niance made an impressive comeback in the Bel Esprit Stakes at Caulfield after overcoming an unusual setback.

Niance made a winning return in the Bel Esprit at Caulfield after missing the autumn carnival. Picture: Getty Images

Aspiring top class sprinter Niance picked up where she left off last spring – albeit without infected bone fragments in her skull – for a dominant Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1200m) victory at Caulfield.

The Grahame Begg-trained flyer comfortably accounted for race-fit Cleo Cat and Aviatress in her first start back from a mystery cracked skull.

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Niance was being rested for an Oakleigh Plate campaign when staff discovered the significant injury.

“She cracked her skull and had fragments taken out,” Begg said.

“The problem was we didn’t know how she injured herself. She was in the paddock and they found her, she had swelling to her skull.

“There wasn’t any sign of any head trauma or anything, we were a bit miffed what happened to her.

“We had to do surgery on her to remove the (infected bone) fragments, once we got all that cleaned up and looked after he very well … she’s bounced through it and onwards and upwards.”

Niance is back in a big way taking out the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes giving the Begg stable a Caulfield double!@Grahame_Begg@[e-mail]/ih8tQ2OP4p

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) May 31, 2025

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Niance powered to victory on Saturday, cruised wide in the run and took over quickly in the straight.

“She’s a gun,” Begg said after favourite Niance sealed a Caulfield double for the stable.

“Never knows how to run a bad race.

“She was in a good rhythm all the way through, I just said to (jockey) Daniel (Moor) keep it smooth, it doesn’t matter if you’re wide because … she’s got a great will to win this mare.

“I’m sure there’s better things in store for her.”

Begg has a Group 2 option in Queensland to consider but indicated the Group 3 The Heath 1100 at Caulfield in August could parlay better into the spring with ultimate Group 1 aspirations.

Niance has won seven of 11 starts including the past three in stakes’ company.

Niance will likely stay in Melbourne for her next start. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

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“To be able to bounce back and come through that (injury) … she hasn’t missed a beat,” Begg said.

“She gave us all the indication she prepped up really well for today, it was the ideal race for her.

“She’s done a good job to come back and do what she has done today.”

Moor appreciated the pick-up ride on Niance and nailed the brief.

“She’s not a huge horse but she’s got a great length of stride,” Moor said.

“In a matter of two strides we’d gone from being two lengths off them to right at them and I just wanted her to harness that in the right way … wanted to give her that balanced up set up to let rip.”

Begg’s first winner on Saturday’s card, Splash Back, was equally impressive, charging to victory in the 1200m Fillies and Mares Benchmark 78.