Chalk Stream First Winner for King Charles in Australia

Homebred Chalk Stream (GB) provided King Charles with his first winner as an owner in Australia on Jan. 26 when landing the listed Australia Day Cup at Warwick Farm. The 5-year-old was a 104th individual stakes winner, from 834 starters, for Aga Khan Studs stallion Sea The Stars (IRE), and it was a comfortable victory, too, in the mile and a half event. Sent off a AU$21 chance in the market for trainer Chris Waller, the gelding stayed on strongly in the closing stages to pull three lengths clear of favorite Spirit Ridge (GB), with a further head back to Military Mission (IRE) in third. "Chris has had plenty of highlights in his career but I'd say this would be right up there," said assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth. "He (Chalk Stream) turned it into a real staying test today and he was dominant. It's a massive thrill to have the horse in training, let alone to go and win a nice race like today." Chalk Stream was bred by the late Queen out of the Sadler's Wells mare Golden Stream, herself a dual listed winner in the royal silks, and also group 3-placed. Chalk Stream is a full brother to Solario Stakes (G3) winner Reach For The Moon and half brother to winner Mainstream, by Dansili, who finished a two-length second behind Horse of the Year and champion mare Winx in the 2018 renewal of the Winx Stakes (G1).