Emotional Oaks victory

EMOTIONS were at a premium following Arrhythmia’s success at Club Menangle tonight.

Scoring as a $2 favourite, Arrhythmia captured the New South Wales Oaks – one of four Group Ones on the venue’s popular Pacing For Pink night.

Along with celebrating females – human and equine – within the industry, the evening supports the McGrath Foundation in its mission to raise awareness and funds for women’s cancer treatment.

Arrhythmia was driven to victory by top reinsman Cam Hart, who’s sister Ash has battled breast cancer.

“What this night does for breast cancer by raising money and awareness, along with the rest of May, is huge,” Hart said. “We’ve been pretty affected by it personally with Ash, so to win a big race on this night is special.

“A big shout out to Ash and hopefully this has her up and cheering along.”

Beginning quickly from barrier nine, Arrhythmia worked to the lead as early pacemaker Beachbabe Crocker was eased to take a trail.

Never seriously challenged, the Emma Stewart-trained filly completed a four-and-a-half metre win from Senses, with Ripples a metre-and-a-half away third.

Covering the mile in 1:50, Arrhythmia’s time was just two-tenths of a second outside Antonnia’s Australian record set in October 2021.

“She was a great filly as a two-year-old and to come back probably even better than what she was is pretty exciting,” Hart said. “She gave me a good feeling throughout tonight and did it quite well.”