After the tragic passing of his mother ROSES FOR DEB whilst giving birth, NAVAL TRADER ‘swapped’ Mums in order to survive and on the evidence of Wednesday’s maiden victory, the fostering was a job well done.
Thanks to the expert management of the team at Fernrigg Farm, NAVAL TRADER (affectionately known as ‘RONNIE’) was given a fighting chance at survival when adopted by SHIGERU SENDAN, another mare on the farm who coincidentally had also given birth to a MERCHANT NAVY colt within 24 hours of ROSES FOR DEB’s unfortunate demise.
Watch the heart warming story below…
At Eagle Farm on Wednesday, NAVAL TRADER started an odds-on favourite in the 1400m Maiden Plate and duly surged away from his rivals to frank the desperate misfortune he had received in his previous start at Doomben.
Ridden confidently by stable apprentice Jaden Lloyd, the grey gelding looked a class above his opposition, winning by just under 2 lengths.
“Thanks guys for keeping me on. We were very unlucky last start, so I really appreciate you giving me another chance,” a humbled Lloyd announced post-race.
With his first racing preparation yielding a win and two close seconds, NAVAL TRADER is likely to go out for a spell as co-trainers Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted ponder targets in the new season.
NAVAL TRADER, a $120,000 yearling from the 2021 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, becomes Proven Thoroughbreds’ 20th winner for the year and 31st for the season.
Naval Trader gets the job done today!
Jaden Lloyd in the saddle for @ODeaHoysted and @ProvenTbreds. pic.twitter.com/wGeWBljgVP
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 15, 2023