Everest slot holder Mulberry Racing scored its first US win to start Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs last weekend, but they are wondering what might have been in America’s most famous race.
Tiernanogue broke his maiden as he was the first runner to wear the Mulberry silks as previous runners had been blessed with the colours.
“We have about half-dozen horses over there with Brendan Walsh, two and three-year-olds, and it has been frustrating because they have been running a lot of placings,” Mulberry’s racing manager Lachlan Sheridan said.
“We actually sent a set of colours over there last month and he was the first one to wear them, so it was good to see that happen in Derby week.”
With a touch more luck, Mulberry could have a runner in the Kentucky Derby after their Australian trainer Brad Widdup was the underbidder on Derby contender Danon Bourdon as a yearling.
The unbeaten son of Maxfield will carry the hopes of a first win for Japan, rather than Australia, after three wins in Japan where he went following being sold at the Keeneland Sale in 2024.
“I went over there to find a couple of horses, and he was one we really liked,” Widdup remembered. “I was sitting there bidding and the bid spotter kept taking two bids at once.
“I was thinking we are getting run up here, but the Japanese guy, who bought him was standing right next to me.
“Every time I would bid, he would bid, and I don’t think he was going to stop. He eventually got him for $450,000 and he is now a $16 chance in the Derby.
“He went back to Japan and has won three times, so it will be very interesting to see how he goes on Sunday.
“At least it shows we were on the right horse and we will be cheering for him on Sunday.”
