Group Two Brisbane Cup Win for Newport

11th June 2007

Improving stayer Newport (4g Encosta de Lago - Sibelienne, by Nishapour) made it a red-letter day for Encosta de Lago when he charged through along the inside to snatch a nose victory in the Group Two QTC Brisbane Cup at Eagle Farm on Monday.

His success followed hot on the heels of brilliant Encosta de Lago filly Apercu, who won the Group One QTC T.J. Smith Stakes earlier in the day.

The Paul Perry trained grey has blossomed since being sent over the longer journeys, with his last three starts all at 2400 metres netting two wins and a second.

Purchased by Perry for $150,000 from the draft of Erinvale Thoroughbreds at the 2004 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Newport is the last foal of the Nishapour mare Sibelienne (GB) (who died in 2005), an unraced half-sister to Irish stakes-winner Samarid from French stakes-winner Samata.

A half-brother to Group One placed Fresh Boy, who was later sold to Singapore and raced there as Lim’s Passion, Newport comes from a European female family packed with predominantly stayers, so it’s no surprise to see him excelling at the classic trip.

Raced by a large syndicate of owners, Newport has won six races and placed six times from 22 starts earning $424,250 and will have a short break now before preparing for the spring carnival.

Newport becomes the 43^rd individual stakes-winner for Encosta de Lago and is one of 14 Australasian stakes-winners for him this season alone.