Undefeated so far, plans were soon in place for the now six-year-old to compete in the Group 1 Yulong Newmarket Handicap. The Ormsbys have found themselves on the brink of history, with the gelding the first in over a century to enter the race with just four races under his belt.
“I suspected it would be a pretty strong record as you don’t see horses in this day and age run at such an early stage. But I’m confident he’ll equip himself well and he’ll be at the minimum weight,” said Ormsby.
Despite the challenge, Ormsby expressed confidence in Master Fay’s ability to perform well, especially considering his sprinter profile and his settlement into the stable at Flemington, under the care of Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Mike Moroney, Aliesha Ormsby’s father.
Moroney, who secured his first Newmarket victory just two years ago, with another New Zealander, Roch ‘N’ Horse describes his daughter and son-in-law as hardworking horse enthusiasts who have built a remarkable property in Cambridge.
He is also confident in their chances in the prestigious race.
“The horse is a real sprinter type, so he’s got all of the make up to be a genuine threat in a race like the Newmarket,” Moroney said.
With the horse having his first look at the Flemington course proper last Friday in a jumpout, Ormsby was pleased with the result.
“Craig Newitt, who rode him, gave him a good, glowing report shortly after. He looked keen, he was willing to get on with the job,” he told Racing.com.
So as Master Fay attempts to validate the leap of faith taken by Aliesha and Chad Ormsby this Saturday, there will undoubtedly be significant interest from the global racing community, particularly in New Zealand and Hong Kong, two countries that have played a crucial role in the career of this six-year-old.