“There’s a lot of history into naming this filly”

BRED by ‘one tough bugger’ and named after a woman with an endless supply of intestinal fortitude, Ruby Wingate has a lot to live up to.

To the delight of all involved the daughter of Union Guy is honouring her ‘heritage’ as proven by tonight’s success at Tabcorp Park Melton.

After capturing her heat in Ballarat last week, Ruby Wingate completed a clean sweep of the Alabar Home Grown Classic when she secured the Group Two Final just moments ago.

Thrilled with the three-year-old’s progress trainer Adam Stephens explained Ruby Wingate is his late grandmother’s name.

“I always felt this filly had a big tough heart and plenty of spirit which reminded me of my grandmother,” Stephens said.

“We’d been waiting on the right one to name after Nan and this filly showed the qualities needed to have the name.

“My grandfather was killed when Dad (Allan) was three and Nan raised three kids on her own, which is never easy, especially in the 1940s.

“She was a tough lady who was still helping Dad with the horses right to the end.”

Driven by Michael Bellman during her latest victory, Ruby Wingate rated 1:55.3 over 1720 metres as Island Blue Chip and Lopez filled the placings.

“Michael didn’t even pull the plugs,” Stephens said. “He eased her up at the line and she still had miles more horse in her.

“I’ll give her a break now as really we are aiming at Vicbred at end of the year.

“With Dad’s help and assistance from my brother Jamie, she is has finally started to come right and hopefully will keep heading in the right direction.”

Owned by Stephens, Ruby Wingate’s record sits at three wins and three placings from 11 starts for earnings of $38,350.

“As I said, Dad bred her and has liked her from the start, which also played a role in naming her after Nan,” Stephens said.

“Along with Nan’s determination and spirit, she has a bit of Dad’s trait in her too as he is one tough bugger who shouldn’t be alive.

“When he was six Dad got shot by his brother who was playing with an old gun after it ricocheted off concrete and went through him.

“After it went through Dad it went through wall and clipped the guy inside in the head. He got up, flung Dad over the shoulder and got him to the hospital which saved his life.

“Then about eight years ago Dad got cancer and when they operated on him they pulled out some of the shrapnel!

“There’s a lot of history into naming this filly and hopefully she can keep doing us proud.”