Friday, 6th March 2026
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Rivellino (Too Darn Hot), an unbeaten 2YO colt with an air of royalty, triumphed in a thrilling $2m Inglis Millennium at Randwick on Saturday. Trainer Kris Lees crafted a meticulous plan following the colt’s impressive debut victory at Randwick five weeks ago, and it delivered spectacularly for Rivellino’s extensive ownership group. With two wins from as many starts, Rivellino now sets his sights on the Gr1 Golden Slipper at Rosehill on March 22. Lees, alongside Justin Bahen, secured Rivellino at last year’s Classic Yearling Sale for $180,000. The colt, bred by Scott Murray with Brian and Pat Ireland, was offered by Lime Country Thoroughbreds and raised at Segenhoe Stud. Among the ownership group is Peter O’Brien, Segenhoe’s General Manager, who shares in the excitement surrounding this promising colt. Lime Country’s Jo Griffin, who consigned three Millennium runners, described Rivellino as a striking combination of So You Think and Too Darn Hot. “He had such swagger at Classic last year, like he owned the place. Kris Lees and his team have done an extraordinary job with him,” Griffin said. Justin Bahen, recalling Rivellino at the sale, wasn’t surprised by the colt’s rapid rise. “He had presence, and we knew the family well. Kris trained the dam, Intrinsic, and my European background gave me insights into Too Darn Hot’s potential. Sometimes you get it spot on,” he remarked. Edward Throsby, a part-owner, called the win “a career highlight” and commended the Inglis Race Series for enabling horses like Rivellino to shine. Kris Lees expressed pride in Rivellino, calling him an “incredible 2YO with immense potential.” The victory also earned Lees a pair of Swarovski Optik binoculars as part of the Inglis Race Series rewards. The day’s other big winner was Bubion, trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, who claimed the $400,000 Inglis Pink Bonus as the first eligible runner home. Liz Salter, representing Bubion’s owners, called the win life-changing. The Inglis Pink Bonus, an incentive for horses with at least 75% female ownership, adds a unique and lucrative element to the Inglis Race Series, with Bubion’s connections among its latest beneficiaries.
