Americans offer big money for Group One winner

STAR filly Madrid may have run her last race in Australia.

Ending her season on a perfect note by adding a second Group One to her tally at Club Menangle last night, Madrid has been the subject of “some big offers from America”.

With a decision likely to be made this week, the Australian Pacing Gold purchase could find herself in the northern hemisphere regardless of a sale.

While discussing the interest from Americans the three-year-old has attracted, trainer Jarrod Alchin revealed Madrid’s owner – Travis O’Grady – is weighing up the option of racing her in the US.

“We have had some big offers from America during the week, so a decision will be made whether to go on and aim for the Ladyship Mile or opt to cash out,” Alchin said.

“There is also a possibility she will race here until the end of April where she has the Riverina Championship and then be sent over to America to race.

“I will go out for dinner with her owners during the week and decide what will happen with her, but either way, she is finished for the season and will head for a spell.”

Driven by Cameron Hart, Madrid showed her customary gate speed from barrier six to lead throughout the New South Wales Breeders’ Challenge True Blue Final.

Never fully extended, the daughter of Bling It On cruised to a 13-and-a-half metre win from Ideal In Dreams, with Heavenly Reason 20 metres away third.

Covering the mile in 1:52.4, Madrid took her record to 13 wins and four placings from 20 starts for earnings of $306,574.

“It was great to get another Group One for the season,” Alchin said. “I was confident with her, but I never get too confident.

“She has had a good year and that was the perfect way to top it off.”