On Track - Autumn 2021

20 SHE came, she saw, she conquered! That’s the only way to describe Still a Star’s incredible return to racing in Launceston last month after a one- year lay-off. The Bill Ryan-trained mare lined up in the $150,000 Group 3 Vamos Stakes over 1400 metres only days after Australia voted her into the $5 million All-Star Mile for which she gathered almost 10,000 votes to finish fourth on the pecking order. At her first start since February last year, she did exactly what her trainer had promised, but it was an emotional experience as there were consequences if she failed. Still a Star strolled around the mounting yard without a care in the world and it was much the same for Ryan, who was surprisingly calm before his stable star ventured to the barriers for the first time since winning the Tasmanian Oaks over 2100 metres a year earlier. The well fancied Deroche burst from the gates with Craig Newitt aboard while Still a Star’s rider Brendon McCoull slotted the four-year-old on the back of the leader, with the race favourite Ethical Solution’s rider happy to race outside of Deroche. At the top of the straight Deroche booted clear and looked to be travelling like the winner, while Ethical Solution already started to feel the strain of facing the breeze. By Peter Staples Still A Star will carry the hopes and dreams of Bill and Monica Ryan in the All-Star Mile. STILL A STAR HORSE OF A LIFETIME