A true gentleman, Quinton’s dream of top flight success for his beloved mare was fulfilled when she charged away with the Coolmore Classic.
“I think this is one of the proudest days I’ve had on a racecourse,” he said. “To win a Group 1 with Dixie is fantastic. She’s been knocking on the door for a couple of years.”
Dixie Blossoms had won two editions of the G2 Guy Walter S. and two runnings of the G3 Angst S. and had previously finished third in the G1 Myer Classic. She also filled a similar position in the G1 Queen of the Turf S. in her quest for racing’s Holy Grail.
“I think this is one of the proudest days I’ve had on a racecourse.” – Ron Quinton.
The 6-year-old, who will go to stud later this year, opened her campaign a fortnight ago in her bid to win a third straight Guy Walter, but came up short when runner-up to Alassio (Foxwedge).
With natural improvement from that outing, Dixie Blossoms was at the top of her game on Saturday and a rain-affected track also played into her hands.
“She’s just a doll and one of the most kindest horses I’ve ever had to deal with, she’s a wonderful mare,” Quinton said. “She’d won on the heavy before so that wasn’t a concern.”
The ride on Dixie Blossoms was taken by Christian Reith and the instructions to the jockey were clear and concise.
“She’s just a doll and one of the most kindest horses I’ve ever had to deal with, she’s a wonderful mare.” - Ron Quinton.
“I told Christian to ride her for luck and it was the Dixie of old,” Quinton said. “The track levelled them up and she does handle it.”
It was evident post-race the affection and respect Quinton has for Dixie Blossoms.
“This mare could go out on to the street and find her way home,” he said. “I’ve been dying for Dixie to win a Group 1. She’s been a great mare over a long period of time.”
Jockey Christian Reith and trainer Ron Quinton
Reith, who had ridden Dixie Blossoms in the second of her Guy Walter successes, echoed Quinton’s comments about Dixie Blossoms’ nature.
“She is such a beautiful mare and to be part of this is an absolute pleasure,” he said. “I couldn’t be prouder, not only for the mare, but for Ron and the owners.
“She is such a beautiful mare and to be part of this is an absolute pleasure.” – Christian Reith.
“She gave me a great feel and I was never going to get beaten. I just had to pick the right holes.”
Dixie Blossoms settled back in the field and when the gaps presented themselves she was willingly through to account for El Dorado Dreaming (Ilovethiscity) and Princess Posh (Canford Cliffs {Ire}).
“Group 1s are hard to come by and I was supposed to go to Gosford, but fortunately Damion Flower allowed me to get off the rides to ride this mare,” Reith said.
Dixie Blossoms is raced by her breeder Alan Osburg, who paid tribute to the part Quinton has played in a memorable success story.
“Ron deserves to be proud, he loves the mare like one of his family,” he said. “Ron said she’s one of the most intelligent horses he’s ever trained.
“Ron deserves to be proud, he loves the mare like one of his family.” – Alan Osburg.
“She was going to retire last year, but I thought we’ll have one more go at cracking a Group 1 and it’s mission accomplished now.
“I bred her off a low service fee and a little mare I bought in New Zealand. It’s so satisfying to do it yourself.”
Mission accomplished as Dixie Blossoms takes out the G1 Coolmore Classic
Osburg said it was also particularly heart-warming the way the public had taken his mare to heart. “She’s a crowd favourite and that’s very pleasing to me.”
“She’s a crowd favourite and that’s very pleasing to me.” – Alan Osburg.
He bought Dixie Blossom’s dam Whistle Dixie (NZ) (Star Way {GB}) for NZ$50,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale and she won one race before heading to the broodmare paddock.
The dam of three other winners, she is out of a Proteacea (NZ) (Kaapstad {NZ}), an unraced half-sister to the G1 New Zealand Derby winner and G1 The Oaks Stud Classic winner Zonda (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) and the G2 PJ O’Shea S. winner Magnolia Hall (Noble Bijou {USA}).
The family ranks also feature the G1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ S. winner Surprize Surprise (NZ) (Prized {USA}).
