After finishing second, four lengths behind winner Ascend in her first competitive effort on November 29, Dark Swan retuned 15 days later on December 14, to open her winning account.
Dark Swan, a bay filly by Midnight Hawk out of Oh Ha Light, trained by Gresford Smith with Emelio McLean holding the reins, earned her first success in a maiden three-year-old call for fillies only going five furlongs round. Dark Swan clocked a final time of 1:03.4, setting splits of 25.1 x 50.0.
For trainer Smith it was relief as not only was he saddling his third winner in 2025, he took his time with Dark Swan before getting her into the competitive fold.
“This is a good win for the stables as a lot of patience was required by all involved to get Dark Swan to the races in manner where she could perform and actually win.
“Dark Swan has her issues which led to her making her first racing appearance in November. We were encouraged by that second-place finish, and now she is a winner. For that success, I am a happy man,” trainer Smith shared with Quickgallopja.com.
Drawn in gate number one, jockey McLean made his intentions very clear when the starter pressed the go button, as he pushed Dark Swan into the lead, then held a steady gallop round the bend.
In the final two furlongs, McLean kept Dark Swan going, as You’re My Sweetie (Dane Dawkins) came rushing home. In the end, Dark Swan still had 2 ¾ lengths to spare. Finishing third was Babbadtanesha (Tevin Foster).
