In a stunning return to the winners’ circle, THE BLACK CLOUD exploded late to claim the Listed Bribie Handicap (1000m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
It had been almost 18 months between drinks for THE BLACK CLOUD, and although that period included four 2nds, her record was starting to slip away.
The catalyst in Saturday’s drought-breaking victory was no doubt the 1000m – a distance trainer Joe Pride has astutely identified as the mare’s preference at this stage of her career.
The manner in which she won also confirmed her liking for a fast run five furlongs. Ridden by local hoop Daniel Moor, THE BLACK CLOUD found herself trailing a hot speed and despite getting shuffled back and disappointed for a run in the early part of the straight, she responded to hard riding and burst through the pack late to win by half a length.
The Black Cloud weaves her way through for her first Stakes win in the Bribie Handicap!
A peach from Daniel Moor 🍑@PrideRacing pic.twitter.com/CbRf5kVjmX
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) December 13, 2025
“To see her hit the front like that was a big thrill and she did it under unusual circumstances in that she had a lot of traffic around her,” Pride said.
“I loved the way she really surged through the line – it was a terrific win.
“Fresh is best for this mare and keeping her at 1000m if we can.”
Pride is considering a 1000m Listed race at Caulfield in six weeks as a possible next target for the daughter of SHAMUS AWARD.
The 5yo has now won more than $530,000 in prizemoney and is worth at least six figures as a broodmare. She was purchased by Proven for the relatively inexpensive price of $100,000 at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
She becomes Proven’s 16th winner this season and 52nd stakes winner to wear the black and lime green colours.
Only a few minutes after THE BLACK CLOUD’s race, the Proven/Pride combination went within a nose of completing an interstate feature double when PRIVATE EYE was nabbed in the final hop of the $1 million Supernova.
Unfortunately PRIVATE EYE got very stirred up pre-race and when rider Craig Williams was forced to make his run on the inferior part of the track near the rail, he was going to be vulnerable late.
But as always we are super proud of his effort and he will now head for a deserved spell which means our original plan of going to the Magic Millions carnival next month has been shelved.
