The Australian racing scene, particularly in Western Australia, is abuzz with the impressive performance of trainer Simon Miller’s stable. With multiple million-dollar earners and a striking strike rate, Miller’s operation is proving to be a force to be reckoned with. This success is largely attributed to his keen eye for talent, both in sourcing promising young horses and in nurturing the potential of elite athletes like Amelia’s Jewel.
Miller’s stable has already achieved significant milestones this season, boasting 19 winners at a remarkable 22.1% strike rate from just 28 boxes. This success is not just about accumulating wins, but also about competing at the highest level. “We pride ourselves on playing at the pointy end in black-type races, and we’ve bagged a few already so things are going well,” Miller stated.
Amelia’s Jewel: A Rising Star
A prime example of this success is Amelia’s Jewel, who secured a victory in the G2 WA Guineas at Ascot last weekend. This talented three-year-old filly, with an otherwise unbeaten record, is set to continue her impressive campaign. Her next target is the G1 Northerly S. (1800 metres) on December 3rd, after which she is expected to have a break.
Peter Walsh, the filly’s owner and breeder, is exceptionally pleased with Amelia’s Jewel’s performance, even making a rare intervention in race planning to express his desire to contest the Golden Eagle. Miller is considering various lucrative options for her future, including The All-Star Mile and The Quokka in Perth, highlighting the filly’s immense potential.
Amelia’s Jewel’s pedigree is a testament to astute breeding. She is the first foal of Listed-placed Bumbasina (Ire) (Canford Cliffs {Ire}). Walsh’s journey to breeding Bumbasina to Siyouni is a fascinating story of recognizing equine excellence across hemispheres. Walsh acquired two mares from the Tatts sale during a trip to Royal Ascot, breeding one to Kingman and the other to Siyouni. The strategic decision to race fillies and sell colts proved fruitful, as Amelia’s Jewel, a filly, has exceeded all expectations.
The colt from Bumbasina, out of the Street Cry (Ire) mare Bound Copy (USA), sold for $600,000 at the 2021 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. This venture, a collaboration between Walsh and Miller, underscores their shared success.
Success Through Strategic Purchasing and Breeding
Miller’s ability to identify value extends beyond owner-breeders. He has a proven track record of purchasing successful horses at sales, exemplified by million-dollar earners like Achernar Star, Whispering Brook, and Valour Road, all acquired for modest sums.
His selection method emphasizes conformation, stating, “The pedigree tells me how much I’ve got to pay. I look at type and if it’s by I Am Invincible I’ll need a bucket load of money, but if it’s by a lesser stallion I can lower my sights. I’ve always been type.”
Another notable success is Miss Conteki (Eurozone), who is set to compete in the G1 Winterbottom S. Having won the Listed RS Crawford S. and the G3 Prince Of Wales S., Miss Conteki is in peak form. Miller acknowledges the formidable competition, including eastern raiders like Rothfire (Rothesay) and Vilana (Hallowed Crown), but embraces the challenge, seeing it as beneficial for the sport’s promotion.
The Advantage of Western Australian Bonus Schemes
Miller is keenly aware of the lucrative bonus schemes available in Western Australia for state-bred horses. These schemes significantly influence purchasing decisions, encouraging trainers to invest in local sales. “The bonus scheme is so lucrative over here that it entices you to buy local,” Miller explained.
These state-based incentives not only keep prize money within the region but also allow trainers to potentially achieve rapid returns on investment. While breeders seeking elite broodmares might still look east, Western Australia now offers compelling opportunities to acquire quality horses with the potential for significant earnings. As Miller looks to the future, the stable’s consistent success and strategic approach position it for continued prominence in the racing world.
