WEST INDIES delivers a winning result for Fortuna Racing at Bairnsdale 21st July

The only runner for trainer Mark Walker on 21 July at Bairnsdale (Victoria), West Indies (3 g Fastnet Rock – Anchovy, by Galileo) won the $27,000 Dyson Group Benchmark 58 2200 metres. Contesting the corresponding event after racing well for second over 2200 metres on 23 June at Pakenham (poly-track), West Indies had been devoid of luck before his last start performance and despite carrying top weight (62kg) he rated a top three chance.

Able to secure the trail from barrier one, West Indies was desperate for room turning for home at the 400m, which came on straightening, and he quickened to an advantage and won well.

West Indies was ridden again by Craig Newitt, who was aboard last time, and also when he contested the Victoria Derby (Gr. 1, 2500m) in November at Flemington.

“He’s got better ability than a (Rating) 58, that’s for sure, and I actually rode him in the VRC Derby, in his first start for them (Walker and Fortuna Racing),” Newitt said. “He’s probably been a bit frustrating for connections, but his run the other day put the writing on the wall, he was perfectly placed here today, from a good gate, and he had a good run. He felt the winner from a long way out. He had to carry a big weight, but he had favours from the inside gate. He still had to do it, and he probably hit the front and was waiting a little bit. Had he been challenged, I think there was a bit more under the hood, so I’m sure he’s going to win a few more for them.He’s a tricky horse, but we got the measure of them today.”

On Soft5 footing, West Indies ran 2200 metres in 2:19.5 and paid $8.90 & $2.40 on the NZ TAB tote.

Click HERE to see the race replay

WEST INDIES – first win in Fortuna Silks  – Bairnsdale 21st July 2025 – Craig Newitt aboard

On course, stable representative Rachael Kramer said: “Hayden (strapper), it’s his first day at the races, Sage (Duric) is here, and she also rides West Indies in track work, and Froggy (Craig Newitt) was quietly confident after his last start that this could be the day he got the job done. I said to Hayden when they jumped, “yes, he’s found a good spot”, and it was exciting to see his face, watching the race, on his first day. It’s an exciting day for the team.”

Owned by the Fortuna West Indies Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin), he was offered for sale by Coolmore Stud, at the 2024 Inglis October (Late) Online Sale as a one win 3yo, and purchased by Galvin for A$200,000.

Having had his first start for the new owners in the VRC Derby, West Indies was subsequently given a let up and resumed in March, with consecutive thirds, before quickening from midfield for fourth in the VRC St Leger (Listed, 2800m) on 25 April at Flemington.

“It was a really good win and a lovely ride of Craig Newitt’s,” Walker said. “He’s a slower maturing horse, but we found the right race to give him a confidence-building win. It was good to see him run out the 2200 metres so strongly, which is not easy under such a big weight, and sometimes, these horses, they get the win and can really go on with it. He is out of a Galileo mare, so it’s a slower maturing, staying, pedigree, and we do think he’ll improve as a four and five-year-old.”

“I’m pleased West Indies could beat the Aussies, today,” quipped John Galvin, referring to the West Indies v Australia T20 cricket game, earlier today, in Jamaica, in which Australia won narrowly. “It’s a been long haul and a bit frustrating at times, but he’s run some reasonable races and hasn’t had all favours on other occasions. To get the first win for the new owners is very satisfying. I’ve said to the owners on many occasions, that given his breeding, by Fastnet Rock out of a Galileo mare, we need to be patient with this horse. He’s still just a raw three-year-old and probably won’t be the real deal until he’s a late four-year-old or even a five-year-old. We bought him for the (VRC) Derby, but he wasn’t mature enough to run the 2500 metres out. He’s still only three and got a bright future, I think.”

WEST INDIES – winning post in sight

By Champion Sire Fastnet Rock (Danehill), West Indies is out of a three-quarter sister to European Champion Three-Year-Old Ruler Of The World (Galileo), and from the family of five-time Group One winner, European Champion Older Male, and sire, Duke Of Marmalade (Danehill).

West Indies was strapped by Hayden McInnes.

Hayden McInness celebrates his first day at the races as a strapper with a win by West Indies