Albany trainer Stephen Sheehy secures first listed win with Oxbridge who is headed for The Bluff Knoll

Albany horseman Stephen Sheehy scored the biggest win of his training career after his much-loved galloper Oxbridge was a brilliant listed winner on Perth Cup Day at Ascot. Jumping a $17 outsider Oxbridge stunned punters when jockey Holly Watson guided the 2023-24 champion horse of the Great Southern to a memorable victory in the $125,000 Swan Draught — Summer Scorcher (1000m). The eight-year-old gelding was not in his usual leading role, sitting fourth in running before charging home in a rapid 33.39secs in the final 600m to edge out heavy-priced favourite Bopping Blue ($1.80) in the feature race. Oxbridge won five races in a wonderful Great Southern season in 2023-24 and then returned from a spell to win first up in Albany on December 12. Speaking to WA Racing post victory at Ascot, an elated Sheehy, who only has two other horses in his care, was ecstatic with the result. “He’s been a super horse for me, he’s just unbelievable,” he said. “It was a gun ride by (Watson), I can’t thank her enough. “This is my first metro winner and first listed winner.” A former jockey himself, Sheehy confirmed he will unleash the star sprinter in Albany’s famous slot race The Bluff Knoll on March 16. “We’re going to go home, put him in the paddock for two weeks and then go for The Bluff Knoll,” Sheehy said. “My father told me if they can run time and carry weight, take the best on. “Last start he ran (1min. 03sec.) over 1100m in Albany with 60.5kg and I thought ‘well 1000m is his go, let’s go have a go’.”