Mr. Brightside to skip PB Lawrence Stakes

Trainer Ben Hayes has revealed that Mr. Brightside will not be participating in the upcoming Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield Racecourse on August 24, 2024. The gelding is apparently in need of a rest. At nearly seven years old, the six-year-old gelding needs to use the extended time off to get prepared for races later in the spring.  
 
Mr. Brightside is expected to make his return in September in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield. 

Winner to skip PB Lawrence Stakes  

For the past two years, Mr. Brightside has started his spring racing season strong at the Caulfield Racecourse in the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m).  
 
Mr. Brightside won the 2022 and 2023 editions of the PB Lawrence Stakes. He was the first horse to win back-to-back races since 1972 when the Dunkeld legend Tauto accomplished the same feat just a year after his famous 1971 Cox Plate win.  
 
By skipping this year’s race, Mr. Brightside’s trainers are forgoing the chance of him becoming the first horse in the PB Lawrence Stakes’ 81-year history to win the race three times in a row. Tauto and Mr. Brightside are the only horses to win the race two times in a row.  

Trainer explains decision 

Co-trainer of Mr. Brightside explained on Sunday the difficult decision to skip this year’s PB Lawrence Stakes.  
 
We’ll miss the Lawrence Stakes this year. We just wanted to give him some more time,” said Hayes.  
 
“He’s carrying some nice condition, but that’s a good position to be in at this time. He'll be starting evens next week.” 
 
Hayes also mentioned that Mr. Brightside is at a good level now after putting on 41 kilograms during his most recent time being spelled.  
 
“We are really happy with him; he’s put on some good weight, can’t fault him. He’s a happy horse and he’s working in great fashion.” 

Mr Brightside’s future 

Mr Brightside is one of five horses who have been shortlisted for the 2023-24 Australian horse of the year award. The betting apps have him well behind favourite Pride of Jenni, but it is an impressive achievement nonetheless.  
 
The gelding has won over $13 million in his career, but seems now to just really be hitting his stride.  
 
Mr. Brightside is expected to make his return to racing at the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) on September 7 at Caulfield. After that, he’s slotting to run in the Group 1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley Racecourse on October 26.