When Redzel wins it’s bitter-sweet for Patricia Di Marco.
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The Figtree resident loves seeing the superstar sprinter do what he does best, but she watches with a heavy heart.
Redzel was a purchase by her late husband John.
He always knew the Peter and Paul Snowden trained galloper was destined for stardom after buying into the Triple Crown syndication as a part-owner.
A heart condition sadly meant John never got to enjoy seeing scale the heights the son of Snitzel has since climbed.
That culminated with an emotional second victory in $13 million The Everest (1200m) on Saturday afternoon.
“He always wanted a group one winner and this horse has surpassed that,” Patricia Di Marco said.
“It is very bitter-sweet knowing that he would have loved to have been there and celebrating the horse’s success.
“But on the big races we have all the family there to commemorate his death.
“All the family were there and we spent the day together which was lovely.”
For Di Marco the magnitude of Redzels dominant win was still sinking in when she spoke to the Illawarra Mercury on Sunday afternoon.
The school teacher, who is a part owner alongside Balgownie’s Tony Kocovski and Wollongong’s Peter Piras, experienced a similar feeling 12 months ago, but still struggles to put the amazing experience into words.
“I have looked at the race a number of times and I still can’t believe it,” she said.
“It’s a little bit surreal.
“He did it so well and so easily under terrible conditions.
“It panned out perfectly. It was an amazing event.
“The atmosphere was great and they really do put on a wonderful event.
“I can’t complain in any way at all.”
After drawing barrier one during the week, Redzel was fancied to defend his crown.
Jockey Kerrin McEvoy used the inside barrier to hold his spot on the fence at the head of the field and dictate proceedings in front of more than 40,000 spectators at Randwick.
Redzel ($7.50) kicked clear when the field entered the straight to score by a 1-¼ lengths over Gerald Ryan’s Trapeze Artist ($10) and Godolphin’s Osborne Bulls ($23).
Redzel will more than likely now head to Melbourne, with a date with the Group 1 Darley Classic (1200m) down the Flemington straight the target.