Youthful Jack Completes Tassie Triple Crown

Evergreen galloper Youthful Jack completed the weight-for-age Tasmanian triple crown at Launceston on Wednesday night when he scored a stunning win in the listed George Adams Plate (1600m).

Ridden confidently by regular rider Robert Thompson, Youthful Jack had his rivals beaten a long way from home and never let his followers worry as he cruised to the lead a long way from home.

Doubts over his ability to run out a strong mile were put to bed in spectacular fashion as he romped away to win by over two lengths in a truly dominant display.

Part owner Geoff Sheedy, who races the gelding with his former and long time trainer Ross Stitt, was very emotional after the race.

“We’re very proud of the horse,” Sheedy said. “It was a great ride from Robert.”

“The horse had to go for that throat operation and my wife rang up every day he was at the clinic to see if he was okay and she always said he had another win in him.”

“Adam has done a tremendous job looking after Jack and have a look at the results.”

“I’m so proud of the horse. I’m so proud of Youthful Jack. He’s like family and I named him after my young bloke – he’s a true champion,” Sheedy added.

A graduate of the 2006 Magic Millions August Thoroughbred Sale, Youthful Jack is now the winner of 16 races.

Caretaker trainer Adam Trinder was thrilled with the latest win and is now hoping to extend his unbeaten run with the Taree star in Melbourne.

“That was a great thrill,” Trinder said. “Especially for him to run the mile – without getting ahead of ourselves we expected him to win the first two races.”

“He’s an old warhorse and to get the opportunity to be associated with him I can’t speak highly enough of Ross and the other owners.”

“I’m learning a lot from the horse,” the fledgling trainer said. “He’s got a lot of problems and he probably has two hours of individual attention spent on him every day.”

“It’s been a great learning curve for a young trainer – especially with Ross always there for advice – it’s been fantastic on all accounts.”

“The horse was a real picture tonight. He’s enjoying the relaxed environment down here in Tassie – a but like back in Taree – he likes this type of lifestyle.”

Trinder said he would now speak to Stitt and Sheedy before deciding where and when Youthful Jack would run next.

“I haven’t spoken to Ross yet, but on Super Saturday there are two races for him – the Blamey or a listed race over 1400 metres which he won’t be weighted out of.”

“We’ll have to sit down and have a talk about it.”

Sent out the $2.10 favourite Youthful Jack steamed to the line to beat the fast finishing Life to the Full ($10.40) by two and a quarter lengths.

Victorian visitor Nicastro ($20.30) was a half head further back in third place.

Now the winner of 16 races, Youthful Jack has been an incredible money spinner for connections considering he’s earned some $939,000.

He is now the winner of eight stakes races – his best coming at three when successful in the Group Two Royal Sovereign Stakes.

He also won the listed Doomben Slipper in Brisbane at two and has been a marvellous galloper since – over a career of 45 starts.

Youthful Jack is the best of four stakes winners by the American stakes winning Explodent sire Youthful Legs.

He is from the placed White Bridle mare Formative – a mare who is from a Dignitas full sister to Gimcrack Stakes winner Fleet Princess.

Youthful Jack’s third dam also won a Gimcrack Stakes when run at Group Three level.

Winner: Youthful Jack
Breeding: Youthful Legs-Formative (White Bridle)
Race: TTC George Adams Plate LR (1600m)
Passed for: $1,500
Sale: 2006 Magic Millions August Thoroughbred Sale
Vendor: River Hills Stud
Reserve: $3,000
Earnings: $939,000
Owner(s): MR Stitt & GM Sheedy
Trainer: Adam Trinder (Spreyton)