Dubai: Darren Beadman, the two-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey who is currently Godolphin’s interim, Australian head trainer, landed his first stakes winner on Friday.
Beadman, who took charge following the resignation of JohnO’Shea last month, was thrilled to pieces as Duca Valentinois won the Listed Darley Scone Cup in impressive fashion at Scone
A former champion jockey, Beadman first won the Melbourne Cup in 1990 aboard Kingston Rule and followed up six years later with Saintly.
Since he took over the preparation of Godolphin’s Australian team last Sunday, Beadman has led in five winners in his first six days in the job.
Ridden by Michael Dee, Duca Valentinois showed the benefit of a quiet ride in midfield until 400 metres from home, dashing clear over the final stages to score by a length-and-a-half from God’s In Him.
“The key to him is to switch him off, and Mick Dee did it perfectly,” Beadman said.
“If you get the first half mile right with him, the rest will work out.”
Duca Valentinois had won two races in Ireland before being sent to Australia where he has now won three times.
Dee said Beadman had given him specific instructions that led to the perfect outcome.
“Daren told me exactly about the horse and what I should be doing,” he said.
“He relaxed beautifully and coming to the 600m he was getting stronger and stronger. I can’t thank the Godolphin team enough.”
Duca Valentinois was the second Godolphin winner at the Darley-sponsored meeting with the Medaglia D’Oro filly Sisken earlier taking out the ungraded Turangga Farm Handicap.
