Cejay Graham Triumphs in Eye Liner Stakes

Cejay Graham Triumphs in Eye Liner Stakes, Dedicates Victory to Injured Colleague.

Horses leaving the Starting Gate

In a thrilling finish at Ipswich Turf Club on Saturday Saturday, June 22, jockey Cejay Graham piloted At Witz End to victory in the Listed Eye Liner Stakes (1350m), crossing the line a half-length ahead of the field.

Graham, a last-minute replacement for injured jockey Samantha Collett, dedicated her win to her sidelined colleague.

The Eye Liner Stakes: A Queensland Racing Tradition

History and Significance

The Eye Liner Stakes, a prominent open company sprint race, has been a cornerstone of the Queensland winter racing carnival since 1970.

Hosted by the Ipswich Turf Club, this event pays tribute to Eye Liner, an exceptional Queensland filly who dominated the track with nine consecutive juvenile victories and 12 wins in her first 13 starts, including the prestigious G1 Champagne Stakes at Randwick.

Race Evolution

Initially introduced as a 1200m sprint, the Eye Liner Stakes has adapted over the years:

• 1970-2006: Primarily run over 1200m (with a brief 1100m distance in 1971)

• 2007-2019: Extended to 1350m

• 2020: Temporarily returned to 1200m due to carnival changes

• 2021-present: Restored to 1350m

Notable Achievements

The race has seen remarkable performances throughout its history:

• Triple consecutive wins: Pittance (2000-2002)

• Double victories: Final Affair (1984-1985) and Adnocon (2010-2011)

Recent Developments

As of 2024, the Eye Liner Stakes holds Listed Race status with a prize pool of $200,000, highlighting its importance in the racing calendar.

Champions of the Track

The Eye Liner Stakes has been graced by numerous exceptional winners, including:

Don't Rush, Starglow, Plush, Blue's Finito, Better Beyond, Mighty Kingdom, Mr Magic, Robian Steel, Lightning Bend, Barrosa Boy, Roman Senator, Masked Party, Impaler, Mitanni, Smokin' Joey, Man Booker, Holyfield.

Most Recent Winner

The 2023 edition saw Lady Of Honour triumph, followed by Gravina in second and Blaze A Trail in third place.

Race Details and Graham's Triumph

The Eye Liner Stakes, held at Ipswich Racecourse in Queensland, Australia each year. saw At Witz End start at odds of 7-1. Graham guided the eight-year-old gelding to victory in a time of 1:19.32, showcasing both horse and rider's exceptional skill.

"It was an incredible run," Graham said. "At Witz End gave everything, and I'm honored to have been part of this win. The pace was strong from the start, but we found the perfect position and timed our finish just right."

At Witz End: A Profile of Excellence

Background

At Witz End is an 8-year-old bay/brown gelding hailing from Australia. This talented racehorse is currently under the expert care of trainer Daniel Bowen, based in Lismore. At Witz End's pedigree boasts impressive bloodlines, sired by the notable stallion Epaulette out of the dam Here's The End.

Racing Career Highlights

Stakes Winner: At Witz End has proven his mettle on the track, achieving the prestigious status of a stakes winner.

Career Earnings: With an impressive $655,500 in career earnings, At Witz End has established himself as a horse of above-average ability in the racing world.

Signature Victory: On May 11, 2024, At Witz End secured his most significant win to date at Sunshine Coast. Ridden by jockey Samantha Collett, he triumphed in the $160,000 Open Quality, outpacing rival Yellow Brick.

Performance for Punters

For horse racing betting enthusiasts, At Witz End’s recent performance makes him an exciting prospect. His consistent form and Bowen’s strategic planning suggest that he could be a strong contender in upcoming races.

Keeping an eye on his odds and performance can provide valuable insights for placing informed bets. Betting on horses like At Witz End, with a proven track record and a skillful trainer, can add an extra thrill to the racing season.

Trainer and Location

Under the guidance of Daniel Bowen, At Witz End continues to train and compete from the Lismore base. Bowen's expertise has clearly been instrumental in harnessing and developing the horse's natural talents.

A Dramatic Change of Plans

Graham's ride came about due to unfortunate circumstances. Samantha Collett, originally scheduled to ride At Witz End, suffered a fall in the day's second race. Graham, no stranger to injury setbacks herself, stepped in at the eleventh hour.

"I know exactly how tough it is to be sidelined," Graham expressed post-race. "My heart goes out to Sam. This win is for you, Sam. We're all hoping for your quick recovery and return to the track."

Collett's Condition

Following her fall from Tuki Twelvein the second rac , Collett was taken to hospital for examination due to arm soreness. While conscious, she was unable to fulfill her remaining rides for the day, including the winning mount on Cocobrew Express in the third race, which was picked up by Nikita Beriman.

Flemingtom Racecourse

At Witz End's Journey and Future Prospects

At Witz End's victory marks another chapter in the gelding's remarkable resurgence. Trainer Daniel Bowen acquired the horse for a mere $10,000 earlier this year, a decision that has paid dividends with four wins from eight starts since joining Bowen's Lismore-based stable.

"He is just flying," Bowen said, beaming with pride. "We had a setback with a tactical error in his last Group 2 outing, but I knew he was ready for the Eye Liner. It's a testament to his ability and the hard work of our entire team.

Looking ahead, Bowen is weighing several options for At Witz End's next appearance:

1. The Glasshouse Handicap (1400m) at the Sunshine Coast next month

2. The Ramornie Handicap (1200m) at Grafton

3. The Kosciuszko (1200m), a high-profile race later in the season

"We'll take it one step at a time," Bowen added. "But there's no doubt At Witz End has shown he can compete at the highest levels."

Cejay Graham Triumphs in Eye Liner Stakes Conclusion

Cejay Graham's victory in the Eye Liner Stakes showcases not only her skill as a jockey but also the camaraderie within the racing community.

As Samantha Collett recovers, the racing world eagerly anticipates her return, inspired by Graham's heartfelt dedication and At Witz End's impressive performance.

This win adds another exciting chapter to the ongoing narrative of the horse racing season, leaving fans and competitors alike eager to see what comes next for this formidable horse-and-trainer combination.