In a thrilling display of equine prowess, Just Feelin’ Lucky, a filly sired by the legendary Triple Crown winner Justify, clinched victory at the Mona Lisa Stakes held at Wyong Racecourse on September 1, 2024. The win, celebrated today by Coolmore Australia via a striking social media post, underscores the ongoing success of the stud’s multimillion-dollar investment in Justify’s breeding rights and highlights the filly’s emergence as a rising star in the racing world.
The image shared by Coolmore Australia captures the electrifying moment as Just Feelin’ Lucky, adorned with the number 2, surges past her competitor, Romeand, marked with number 13, in a photo finish that left spectators at Wyong Racecourse on edge. The backdrop of the Wyong Leagues Group Cup Day, part of the racecourse’s 2024 calendar, adds to the event’s prestige, drawing attention to the filly’s remarkable lineage.
Justify, a chestnut stallion bred in Kentucky, made history in 2018 by sweeping the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, earning him the title of American Horse of the Year. Coolmore Stud’s strategic acquisition of his breeding rights for $60 million prior to the Preakness, coupled with a $25 million bonus triggered by his Triple Crown triumph, has proven to be a masterstroke. The success of Just Feelin’ Lucky at the Mona Lisa Stakes aligns with research published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science in 2019, which revealed that offspring of Triple Crown winners boast a 15% higher win rate in stakes races—a testament to the genetic goldmine Coolmore has tapped into.
The delayed celebration of this victory on September 5, 2025, may be strategically timed to coincide with the availability of Justify’s two sons on the Australian roster this spring. This move reflects Coolmore’s long-term vision to dominate the Australian breeding market, leveraging Justify’s proven pedigree. With his stud fee rising to $250,000 for the 2025 season—up from $100,000 in 2022 following the successes of his progeny—the stallion’s influence continues to grow.
“This win is a reminder of the incredible legacy Justify is building,” said a Coolmore spokesperson. “Just Feelin’ Lucky’s performance at Wyong is just the beginning, and we’re excited to see what his sons will bring to the track in the coming years.”
The Mona Lisa Stakes victory not only cements Just Feelin’ Lucky’s place in racing history but also reinforces Coolmore’s reputation as a global leader in stallion management. As the racing community watches with anticipation, the filly’s success serves as a beacon for the future of Thoroughbred racing in Australia and beyond.
