A regal return by QUEENSTAR saw the filly shed her maiden status in style at Ipswich on Friday.

The daughter of Unite And Conquer had been given an extended break after suffering a minor injury when finishing fifth on debut at the same venue last December, and she made light of the long absence from the racetrack to power to victory in the Maiden Handicap (1100m).  

Given a confident ride by Cejay Graham, QUEENSTAR knuckled down to her task in the home straight and ultimately had too much class for her rivals who were left trailing in her wake.

The two-length win saw QUEENSTAR justify race favouritism and rewarded the patience of our partners, who shared in a cheque for $16,800 to ensure the weekend started early.

“She was very dominant and did everything right,” said Graham.

“We had to do a bit of work from the wide alley, but once we got there she travelled in a beautiful rhythm. The leader didn’t take me very far, but I was still confident a long way from home. If she’d been challenged I think she would’ve found plenty more, so she’ll only go on with things now.”

Victory broke a frustrating run of seconds for the team, with four of our five previous runners having found one too good.  

The win was extra satisfying after we purchased QUEENSTAR's half sister by Profiteer earlier this year knowing the ability her older sibling had shown during her early education. We look forward to the future with both of these fillies after a great start for the family.

Congratulations to our partners: SBS Punters Club 1, SBS Punters Club 2, Hollymount Stud, Mr J J Ryan, Polglase Racing, K C M B, Mr R J Knuppe, Mr S A Marr, Mr K Sendall, Mr D Nelson, Mr B T Healy, Nobbys Nuts Syndicate, Mr A J Cuddy, Mr C D McGuire and Ms L N Fanning.