The horse racing world witnessed Group 1 The Metropolitan, in full flow on September 30 at Royal Randwick, followed by a grandstand finish. Several famed equines were in contention in the 2,400m race for the $750,000 prize pool. After an epic battle, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-owned Just Fine emerged on top, to secure a historic quadruple.

His Majesty King Charles III has raced The Sea The Stars’ son previously. Backed by the two consecutive victories, the $726,280 horse was deemed to be a favorite. However, the race didn’t go smoothly for the former Irish galloper.

Horse Racing World witnessed the grandstand finish

After two impressive victories at both of his starts in Australia, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Just Fine was backed to clinch the Group 1 Metropolitan easily. Although, he clinched a victory, but not an easy one. The former English stayer faced tough competition, especially from the 8-year-old Spirit Ridge.

The initial moments in the race proved to be worrisome with gelding Spirit Ridge getting quickly ahead. Spirit Ridge kept leading the race until the last seconds of the race. However, Just Fine proved to be Just Too Tough. Although Rachel King rode red-hot, it took them a while to level up with Ridge. Just a few meters before the finish line, Just Fine overtook Spirit Ridge to clinch the Grade 1 Metropolitan stakes (2400m) with a gap of four and a quarter lengths.

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With this epic victory, Just Fine takes his career earnings to $726,280 in horse racing. It also marked the record 9th Group 1 victory of Waterhouse. Additionally, Tropical Squall had already provided Waterhouse and Bott a Flight Stakes victory earlier. Deservedly, Rachel King later gave a big title to Just Fine for his impressive performances.

King Charles III inherited Just Fine

While Just Fine continues his winning run, he was bought from a dispersal sale by his owners. The $726,280 worth of equine is one among the many privileged horses to have been inherited by His Majesty King Charles III. The British king had taken over a bunch of horses after his mother, Elizabeth II, passed away. Just Fine was later secured by Australian connections, paving the way for him to win big bounties in equestrian sports.

Speaking with the media after the race, owner Adrian Bott thanked everyone involved with the race and the horse. “I’m delighted for the horse, for everyone involved, there’s a lot of people. For My Racehorse to support us is a unique ownership opportunity that can touch many people. Hopefully, it’s a popular win.” Bott said, according to Racenet.

While both Waterhouse and Bott expressed their happiness, rider Rachel King seemed to call Just Fine the king of 2,400m. “I think that proves he stays 2400m.”, King added. With this third consecutive victory on Australian soil, Just Fine takes his career earnings to $726,280 in 17 starts. while completing a historic quadruple for his owners.

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