Rubitano Retires
by Melissa Boswell of Jozani
Consulting
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Rubitano was bred by Rubiton Bloodstock, the 7th foal of their wonderful mare Mrs Soffel, who has also produced the speedy Lady Soffel, and Rubitoff, who was a stakes-winner. Rubitano was a big lump of a horse as yearling, a Rubiton from distinctive head to toe, and he had that touch of quality you always hope to see in young horses. Because he was such a solid lad, he was broken in and then turned out to mature, and mature he did! He had a short stint in the stables in early 2001, but was again turned out, but the changes in him were noticeable and impressive, he had grown into an imposing type of horse. He finally commenced his racing career as a 4yo , with an easy trial at Cranbourne on 21 September 2001. He then debuted at Kyneton on 9 October 2001, and won the Maiden by 4L, hard held, he raced just over 2 weeks later and was narrowly beaten in a Class 1 at Geelong, and if run 100 times again, he would have won it 100 times! From Geelong he went back to Kyneton on 7 November 2001, and gave the Class 2 field a 4.5L beating, again doing it easily. Two weeks later, 21 November 2001, he won a Class 3 at Ballarat by just under 3L, well held. On 5 December 2001 he stepped up to a city race, a Class 6 at Sandown, and he again won easily, this time by a hard held 2.5L. The word had got around that he was pretty special, and he started as the $1.40 favourite! 11 days later he returned to Sandown, and was narrowly beaten, as he was at his next start at Sandown on 28 January 2002. But he returned to winning form in style, at Flemington on 17 February, winning by just under 2L. He made another step up the ladder at his next start on 2 March 2002, in the Listed WJR Adams Stakes at Caulfield, but again disposed of the handy field easily, winning by 1.3L. His next start, on 9 March 2002, produced one of the most exciting races I've ever witnessed, starting at 50/1, just making the field, and being dismissed by most 'experts', he soon proved he was the real deal, by winning the G1 Newmarket Handicap, at only his 10th start, giving Flemington one of it's best ever race finishes, with the field spread across the straight track. He then went out for a well deserved spell, considering he had gone from a Kyneton Maiden win to the G1 Newmarket, the best sprint race in the country, in just on 5 months. On 20 July 2002 he returned in great style, winning the Listed John Monash stakes, almost 2L clear of fellow Rubitons, Ruby Slipper & stablemate Prince Rubiton. 2 weeks later, on 3 August 2002, he lined up in the WFA G3 Bletchingly carrying 57.5kg, but again proved his superiority, this time winning by almost 2.5L, beating G1 winners Dash for Cash and Sports. After this easy win he went for his first visit to Moonee Valley, running in the Listed Ian McEwan Stakes on 17 August 2002, and to say Moonee Valley wasn't to his liking was an understatement, he was at sea throughout the race, and was eased down to cross the line at the back of the field. He proved that the Valley was his undoing, at his next start, at Flemington on 7 September 2002 in the G3 Bobbie Lewis, where he fell out of the gates, landing on his nose, then gathered himself to run down Chong Tong, narrowly missing grabbing him on the line, to finish a lip 2nd. At his next start, on 22 September 2002 he ran in the G1 Dubai Cup over 1400m at Caulfield, his first try at further than 1200m, he was gallant in defeat, and finished midfield.
He returned to Caulfield on 19 October, in the G2 National Telecoms Sprint, carrying a massive 58kg, but again toyed with his rivals incl Belle Du Jour, Planchet, Chong Tong, winning by just under 2L. He then broke history at his next outing on 2 November 2002, carrying 57.5kg to win the G1 Salinger Stakes over 1200m in 1-7.17, just outside the record, having been eased down to win by a conservative 2.8L, the record would have been shattered had he been fully extended. He was then turned out for a spell, returning for a trial at Cranbourne on 24 January 2003, which he won well. His first run back was the G1 Lightning Sakes at Flemington on 9 February 2003, and again carying 57.5kg under WFA, he ran a game 3.5L 4th. From there he ran in the G1 Newmarket Hcp on 8 March 2003, this time the handicapper had caught up with him, giving him 58.6kg, as compared to the 51kg he carried to victory the previous year. Sent down the middle of the course, which in retrospect was probably the wrong side, he battled on gamely to finish 5L 8th. At his next start, he returned to Moonee Valley, again was uncomfortable on the tight track and shifty surface, and was eased down turning into the straight. After the race Brian had his legs x-rays, and a weakness in his near foreleg was revealed. With that he was sent out for a spell, and beachwork at Warrnambool, in the hope of strengthening his leg. He returned to the stables in early July, and was looking a million dollars, before stepping his work up from slow to fast, Brian had another x-ray taken, and unfortunately it revealed that the weakness was still evident. Brian contacted his owners immediately and the decision was made for him to be retired, rather than be risked by taking him any further in his program. While it is a shame that he won't be gracing the stables with his presence, and won't get a chance to return to racetrack glory, he will have a long and happy, and well deserved, retirement at Brian & Maree's property at Yea, with his paddock mate, the Collector. Happy Retirement Rubi, from everyone at the stables of Brian Mayfield-Smith. And congratulations to connections on making the best decision for such a wonderful horse. Record Rubitano retires with a record of 21 starts 11-3-2 & $1,295,000 in prizemoney. Wins 2/11/02
FLEM Good 1200 G1 SALINGER photos by Melissa Boswell |
Rubitano
only raced 21 times over 18 months, but since he was a yearling, there
has always been something special about him.
Returning
to 1200m and Flemington at his next start on 5 October 2002, he lumped
60.5kg to be finish 3rd, beaten 1L in the G3 Gilgai Stakes, giving 6kgs
to the winner.
