Cripps’ thrilling victory in the time-honoured Golden Topaz at Swan Hill has capped a remarkable success story for Hagley breeder Jenny Watson and her Macleay Thoroughbred Stud operation.

Watson purchased the gelding as a weanling for just $5,000 at the 2022 Great Southern Weanling Sale on behalf of clients before offering him through the Tasmanian Yearling Sale 12 months later. Ballarat trainer Pat Kearney secured the son of Magnus for $20,000, a decision that continues to pay handsome dividends.

Named after Carlton AFL champion Patrick Cripps, the four-year-old has now won five of his 10 starts. His Golden Topaz triumph delivered the $82,500 first prize and lifted his career earnings to $216,200.

Cripps is by Magnus out of the three-time-winning Duporth mare Dymphna and was her first foal. His pedigree is packed with quality, with third dam Spring Thaw a Group 2 winner and Brisbane Cup runner-up, while the family also includes South African Group 1 winner Lobo’s Legend.

The Golden Topaz victory was the latest highlight in an outstanding preparation. Cripps has won four of his six starts this campaign, which began with a victory in Hobart on February 6 before he backed up with another win in Launceston over 1400 metres a fortnight later.

Returning to Victoria, the gelding continued his consistent form with a placing at Yarra Glen, a home-track victory at Ballarat and a placing at Flemington before producing his career-best performance to claim the prestigious Golden Topaz at Swan Hill.

For Watson and Macleay Thoroughbred Stud, Cripps’ success is another shining example of the quality horses emerging from Tasmania and the rewards that can come from astute weanling selection.