During his riding career O'Connor rode his fair share of winners, the most memorable being the 1998 victory on Even True in the Swettenham Stud Stakes, now the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes of 1200 metres.

Having the services of Chad Lever, who brought up the second leg of a double, Blahnik $17 was well placed during the event. O'Connor said that he had this race in mind after the gelding's fourth place in the Yallambee Classic of 1200 metres on Adelaide Cup Day.

A son of the 1994 Melbourne Cup winner, 1995 Horse of the Year and the winner of ten races Jeune, Blahnik is out of the King's High mare Gift Bouquet, who was the winner of two races. Blahnik will now go for a spell.

In winning the Adelaide Guineas Blahnik beat the Jason Holder mount and Leon Macdonald prepared Gallant Guru $6 who may line up in the SA Derby on May 7. A further short half head away, filling the minor placing was Marju Snip $3.50 who suffered her first defeat in six starts.

Peter Neall Media Release Published 26/03/06