Race Record

Like many of the Red Ransom bred, Handsome Ransom was a precocious two-year-old. He made his raceday debut in Canberra in the Black Opal 2YO Preview from the stable of the Sydney based Paul Sutherland. Leading from the outset, Handsome Ransom powered away from his rivals in the straight to win by a comfortable 3 ½ lengths. Sutherland took the next logical step with the horse, entering him for the Gr.3 Black Opal Stakes itself.

In a high class field, Handsome Ransom again proved superior to his 15 rivals, taking up his now customary role in the lead, and winning the race after holding off a determined challenge from subsequent Champion Australian Sprinter Exceed and Excel. Exceed and Excel won his next start in the Gr. 2 STC Todman Slipper Trial, while Handsome Ransom was to head to the spelling paddock as an unbeaten two-year-old.

After a fresh-up fourth in the Gr. 2 AJC San Domenico Stakes in his first start at three, Handsome Ransom was transferred to the stable of Anthony Cummings. His first start for the trainer was in the million dollar STC Golden Rose Stakes and it was to prove one of the best of his career. After falling back in the field early in the race, Handsome Ransom circled wide on the turn and flashing home late to finish second by a short head.

The horse was tried over ground later in the spring, but the shorter distances were to prove his preference. In his second start as an Autumn three-year-old Handsome Ransom finished fourth to old adversary Exceed and Excel in the Gr. 2 AJC Royal Sovereign Stakes, before running an impressive third to Impaler in the Gr. 2 AJC Hobartville Stakes.

Injury followed just one start later, sidelining Handsome Ransom for nearly a year and while given the opportunity to come back at four, he couldn’t recapture his pre-injury form and was retired to stud in the autumn of 2005.

Handsome Ransom returned a cheque in 10 of his 14 starts, earning over A$350,000 during his short career. His athletic and precocious built saw him excel best over the sprint distances, running fourth or better in all five of his black-type starts at 1400 metres or less.