Regan Bayliss is thrilled to have picked up the Coolmore Classic mount on international runner Purplepay in what will be his first ride for champion trainer William Haggas.
A shoulder injury to the mare’s regular jockey Tom Marquand has opened the door for Bayliss to be given the Group 1 opportunity, although it is likely he has been on the English horseman’s radar much longer.
The pair share a common link in Redkirk Warrior, both trainer and jockey involved in the former top sprinter’s career.
Haggas was the original trainer of Redkirk Warrior before the horse relocated to Hong Kong and later Australia where Bayliss guided him to three majors, including a career-first Group 1 win in the 2017 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.
Bayliss also rode Redkirk Warrior in the July Cup in England 12 months later where he and Haggas crossed paths.
“He trained Redkirk Warrior before he went to Hong Kong and I ended up winning three Group Ones on him,” Bayliss said.
“I did meet William when I went over there and rode the horse in the July Cup.
“William Haggas is a champion trainer and I’m grateful for the opportunity to get involved with a great trainer like him.”
Bayliss headed across town on Tuesday to partner Purplepay in a workout at Canterbury where the internationals will be domiciled during their stay.
He has also been studying replays of her overseas runs and was particularly taken by her win in the Group 2 Sandringham Stakes (1600m) at France’s Chantilly in June, expecting that race to prove a good form reference for Saturday’s Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill.
“It’s very important to know the horses you’re riding, especially if they’re from overseas. They’ve all got their different quirks,” Bayliss said.
“I watched her win in the Sandringham back in June and that’s normally a good form race.”
Purplepay has drawn barrier five in the 18-horse Coolmore Classic field with the speedy Expat coming up with the rails and Victorian visitor Excelida the outside gate.
Impressive first-up winner Annavisto has also drawn wide in barrier 16, while Chris Waller’s trio of runners have had mixed luck with Espiona landing gate six while Hinged (12) and Zougotcha (14) both have awkward alleys.
Haggas has also accepted with Protagonist in the Group 3 Sky High Stakes (2000m) with James Mcdonald to ride.