In a thrilling display of equine prowess, Pericles has clinched his second Tramway Stakes victory, etching his name further into racing history while delivering a landmark achievement for Godolphin. The win, celebrated at Randwick Racecourse on Saturday, marks the first black type success for the global racing powerhouse under its newly adopted public training system—a significant departure from its storied private operations.
The Group 2 Thoroughbred race, contested over 1400 meters, saw Pericles, trained under the guidance of Godolphin’s public training framework, outpace the competition with a commanding performance. This victory not only reaffirms the horse’s elite status but also elevates its pedigree value, as stakes winners are known to boost foal sales prices by up to 40%, according to a 2022 study in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. The black type designation—awarded to horses that win or place highly in graded races—cements Pericles’ legacy as a prized asset in the breeding world.
Godolphin’s transition to a public training model, announced earlier this year and effective from August, aligns the operation with industry giants like other Australian racing and breeding leaders. Managed by head trainer James Cummings, who recently stepped into a public role, the shift promises greater business agility, as noted by Godolphin Australia Managing Director Andy Makiv. “We will continue to have the same number of horses in training—it’s fundamental to what we do,” Makiv said, emphasizing the continuity of the operation’s core mission despite the structural change.
The win comes at a pivotal time for Australian racing, an industry that contributed AUD 6.1 billion to the national economy in 2023. Beyond the track, the sport’s economic ripple effects—supporting jobs, tourism, and charitable initiatives—underscore its cultural significance. Events like the Tramway Stakes also bolster community efforts, with race days historically raising substantial funds for local causes, such as the nearly AUD 200,000 collected during the 2016-17 season by the Murrumbidgee Turf Club for charity partners.
Pericles’ success was celebrated widely on social media, with Just Horse Racing (@justhorseracing)noting the achievement on X at 08:15 UTC today: “Pericles has won his second Tramway Stakes to give Godolphin its first black type win under a public training system.” The post, which included a nod to trainer Ben Baker (@BBakerRacing), sparked excitement among racing enthusiasts and highlighted the collaborative effort behind the triumph.
As Godolphin looks to the future, Cummings’ retention of ties with star gallopers suggests a seamless blend of past successes and new opportunities. For Pericles, this victory is not just a personal triumph but a symbol of evolving traditions in one of the world’s most dynamic racing landscapes. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the season progresses, eager to see if this milestone signals a new era of dominance for Godolphin under its public training banner.
