10th Aussie Winner for The Rock

15th July 2007

Rock of Gibraltar chimed in with his tenth Australian juvenile winner when the Lee Freedman trained Just The Rock (2c Rock of Gibraltar - Royal Purler, by Hector Protector) scored at Mornington on Sunday.

Having his second run back from a spell after finishing third at Ballarat on June 28, Just The Rock cruised to the lead on straightening and ran home in good style to win the 1500 metre juvenile maiden by two lengths.

Just The Rock is the first foal of the Hector Protector mare Royal Purler, a former top class filly, whose career was highlighted by a memorable win over outstanding performers Victory Vein and Private Steer in the 2002 Group One AJC Flight Stakes.

Just The Rock was purchased by the Freedman Brothers for $110,000 at the 2006 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale from the draft of Lurline Lodge, while his yearling full brother made just $60,000 at Easter this year.

With 10 individual Australian winners this season, Rock of Gibraltar (IRE) is just one win behind Johannesburg (USA) and Falvelon, who are tied on 11 winners each in the battle to be crowned leading first season sire by individual winners.