Tasmanian-Bred Star Geegees Mistruth Claims Group 1 Glory in Adelaide Thriller
Tasmanian racing celebrated a landmark moment on Saturday when homegrown mare Geegees Mistruth stormed to an unforgettable Group 1 victory in the Robert Sangster Stakes at Morphettville Racecourse.
Bred and owned in Tasmania by Elizabeth Geard Racing, Geegees Mistruth prevailed in a thrilling blanket finish that saw four horses hit the line together, delivering one of the biggest interstate victories for Tasmanian connections in recent years.
The mare’s rise began in southern Tasmania under the care of Stuart Gandy, where she quickly emerged as one of the state’s brightest young talents. The daughter of Wordsmith won her first four starts before proving competitive at stakes level on the mainland with placings at Caulfield Racecourse and Moonee Valley Racecourse.
Her journey has been anything but straightforward. After transferring to Te Akau Racing trainer Mark Walker’s Cranbourne stable last spring, Geegees Mistruth mixed flashes of brilliance with frustration. She placed in stakes company on several occasions but also made headlines when refusing to take part in the Oakleigh Plate before an unplaced run in the Newmarket Handicap.
But on Sangster Stakes day, everything came together.
Starting at $31, Geegees Mistruth settled beautifully for jockey Jordan Childs before producing a powerful late finish to deny Bridal Waltz and Charm Stone in a photo finish.
“She was really relaxed today,” Childs said after the race. “She just seemed cool, calm and collected today, which probably had her in good stead to save all that energy for the last bit.”
Assistant trainer Ben Gleeson said the result meant plenty for the Tasmanian owners, who have supported the mare every step of the way.
“The owners, who are fantastic people, are from Tasmania. They’ve flown over every single time and we appreciate their support greatly, and they deserve success,” Gleeson said.
The victory also shines a spotlight on Tasmania’s breeding industry. Geegees Mistruth is part of the famed “Geegee” family raced by the Geards, with many bred from the stallion Wordsmith, who stands at Stuart and Ruth Gandy’s property north of Hobart.