Brilliant Benagil delivers dream result for the Campbell family

Whilst Benagil’s poignant win in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) justifiably captured more headlines, it was arguably the mare’s morale-boosting victory in the $500,000 VOBIS Platinum Guineas (1600m) that laid the firm foundations for her elite level breakthrough.

At her first start following the untimely passing of former trainer Mike Moroney, who had always held her in the highest regard, Benagil became the fourth filly to prevail from the six editions of the VOBIS Platinum Guineas - one of two feature races on Victorian Owners and Breeders Raceday.

Co-owner Phil Campbell was delighted to see his prized homebred filly put her name up in lights at the annual celebration of Victoria’s thoroughbred industry, which for the first time this year was run as part of the autumn Festival of Racing.

“We’ve had a very long association with this filly’s family so this win has given us a big thrill and we’re feeling very proud of her,” said Campbell.

“As breeders, these are the sort of wins that you dream about. My Dad was involved in the original set-up of the VOBIS scheme, so to win a big-money VOBIS race like this one is very special for me. They’re great races for the Victorian industry as they give stallion owners and all breeders a big opportunity to get a return on their investment.

“This filly has always shown promise from the start and had come close previously in some good races, where she didn’t have a lot of luck but she made her own luck today. We’ve always loved her, and we’re so glad we kept her because I think we’re going to have a lot of fun with her.”

Her strength at the end of the Caulfield mile that day, allied to her pedigree page, had suggested that the homebred daughter of Manhattan Rain would only improve once she stretched out further in trip.

And so it proved, as Benagil bounced out of her runner-up finish behind Treasurethe Moment in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) to carry the famous Campbell family colours to Group 1 glory at Morphettville at the end of April.

It was a second victory at racing’s highest level for a horse bred by the husband and wife team of Phil and Patti Campbell, the former proprietors of Blue Gum Farm who are enjoying a somewhat more leisurely life after handing over the keys to the prestigious property to Sean Dingwall and his team at Trilogy Racing.

The Campbells had also raced Benagil’s dam Des Moines and grand dam Inkster, a hulking mare whose crowning glory came courtesy of victory in the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) at Flemington back in 2008.

With a shot at the Queensland Oaks (2400m) now very much on the agenda for Benagil, the Campbells and trainer Glen Thompson will be hoping her stout staying pedigree can come to the fore when she ventures north to the Sunshine State.