Geisel Park owner Eddie Rigg could have been forgiven for warbling his version of Frank Sinatra’s classic adaptation of ‘New York, New York’ this week.
Old Blue Eyes sang New York was so good they named it twice and that would have resonated with Rigg when his resident stallion Manhattan Rain struck twice with New York Scandal (Pakenham) and New York Hurricane (Morphettville).
Manhattan Rain (Encosta de Lago) is a half-brother to Redoute’s Choice and is gearing up for a third book at Geisel Park after the dispersal of his former base at Blue Gum Farm in Victoria. Agent John Chalmers arranged the sale and called it a coup for Western Australia.
The addition of a proven Danehill-free horse was critical to the local breeding industry and that will start playing out in February when his first Westspeed-crop parade at the 2025 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
New York Scandal’s win at Pakenham on Monday was a welcome return from disqualification for trainer Aaron Laing. “She’s been unlucky and this will boost her confidence,” he said. “It’s great to see one of our stable favourites in the winners circle again and it was a great ride by Ben (Melham). Also thanks to Nick Harnett who looked after things while I was out.
“She was sidelined for twelve months with chipped knees in 2022 and then suffered a fractured tibia. She can be tricky and settled further back than we planned today. She has ability but needed some persuasion and was tough through the line.”
Manhattan Rain sired New York Scandal from Moonee Valley 55 Challenge winner Scandimania (Magnus). It’s the immediate family of three-time Australian Horse of the Year Black Caviar and Group 1 racehorse and sire All Too Hard.
Trainer Liam Howley mapped out a winter campaign for New York Hurricane (Photo / Atkins Photography) that’s paying off with wins like Saturday’s four-length walkover in the Sportsbet Hcp (2019m) at Morphettville.
The Victorian visitor had the local contingent covered at the top of the straight and was guided home under a hands-and-heels ride from Callan Murray.
“That was a fantastic win in Adelaide,” Howley posted on Facebook. “He’s a character and has been such a consistent horse for his connections. They’re a great bunch of owners and they love him, too.”
New York Hurricane raced right through the winter months last year and stayed in work long enough to win the Briseis Cup (1700m) at Geelong in September. His USA-bred dam Al Dhakira (Elusive Quality) is a close relation of Swettenham Stud stallion Puissance de Lune (Shamardal).
Manhattan Rain stands for an $8,250 service fee at Geisel Park alongside Aysar ($8,800), Winning Rupert ($8,800) and All American ($4,400). For bookings or further information, contact stud manager Conor Dunlop on 0447 434 735.
