Biratu Breaks Though
Friday, 13 Feb 2026
Biratu delivered a determined debut victory at Kilmore on Friday, overcoming a muddled race shape, inexperience and a nervous protest to score over 1600 metres.
The three-year-old son of Maurice was having his first race start and did plenty wrong, but showed the raw ability that the stable has always believed he possesses. After settling in a handy position early, the race changed complexion mid-run.
“He looked like he was in a good spot early, but when they jammed the brakes on he was over-racing and then flushed out four wide. It was very muddled,” trainer Tim Fitzsimmons said. “He did a good job.”
The win came just a week after Biratu was scratched at the barriers when he refused to load. The stable went back to work, addressing the issue head-on, and there were no concerns on raceday.
“He’s got a lot of ability, but he’s been a bit of a headache, this horse,” Tim admitted. “He got scratched at the barriers the other day and the team has done a great job working that out.”
Tim was quick to acknowledge the role of Jacob Rule in helping turn the gelding around.
“Big shout out to Jacob Rule. He’s helped me re-educate this horse. When he first came to our Stables he didn’t know what he was doing. Jacob has really turned him around,” Tim said. “He’ll definitely continue to improve, but he’s not the finished product yet.”
Despite still learning his craft, Biratu proved tough enough to get the job done first-up over a mile which is no easy feat.
“It’s hard to win first-up over a mile, so he’s done well,” Tim said. “It’s a really good result for some new owners in this horse with Cameron Cooke, and of course my biggest owner, Elvin Racing Stables. It’s always good to get a win for them and we hope he goes on with it.”
The result was also special for jockey William McCarthy, who came out of retirement for one last day, and left with with a winner.
“I retired in August, but I’ve been working with Shane Jackson and I’m fit, so I thought I’d come out of retirement for one last hurrah,” McCarthy said.
“We found a really good spot out of the barriers. There was a bit of traffic once we went into the back straight, but it was a good training effort to have him ready for a mile first-up. He’s still really raw at the moment - there’s spoils to come. He was just going through the motions.”
“I was glad to get the opportunity to ride him and it was a happy one.”
Tim echoed those sentiments.
“Shout out to Willy McCarthy. It was great to have him ride for the stable and even better for him to notch up one last win.”
With the protest ultimately dismissed and the result confirmed, Biratu’s career is officially underway. There is plenty of upside still to come, and while he may still be learning, Friday’s performance suggests he has the ability to measure up as the preparation unfolds.
“We’ll see how he pulls up,” Tim added, “but we’d love to give him another one this prep.”
The three-year-old son of Maurice was having his first race start and did plenty wrong, but showed the raw ability that the stable has always believed he possesses. After settling in a handy position early, the race changed complexion mid-run.
“He looked like he was in a good spot early, but when they jammed the brakes on he was over-racing and then flushed out four wide. It was very muddled,” trainer Tim Fitzsimmons said. “He did a good job.”
The win came just a week after Biratu was scratched at the barriers when he refused to load. The stable went back to work, addressing the issue head-on, and there were no concerns on raceday.
“He’s got a lot of ability, but he’s been a bit of a headache, this horse,” Tim admitted. “He got scratched at the barriers the other day and the team has done a great job working that out.”
Tim was quick to acknowledge the role of Jacob Rule in helping turn the gelding around.
“Big shout out to Jacob Rule. He’s helped me re-educate this horse. When he first came to our Stables he didn’t know what he was doing. Jacob has really turned him around,” Tim said. “He’ll definitely continue to improve, but he’s not the finished product yet.”
Despite still learning his craft, Biratu proved tough enough to get the job done first-up over a mile which is no easy feat.
“It’s hard to win first-up over a mile, so he’s done well,” Tim said. “It’s a really good result for some new owners in this horse with Cameron Cooke, and of course my biggest owner, Elvin Racing Stables. It’s always good to get a win for them and we hope he goes on with it.”
The result was also special for jockey William McCarthy, who came out of retirement for one last day, and left with with a winner.
“I retired in August, but I’ve been working with Shane Jackson and I’m fit, so I thought I’d come out of retirement for one last hurrah,” McCarthy said.
“We found a really good spot out of the barriers. There was a bit of traffic once we went into the back straight, but it was a good training effort to have him ready for a mile first-up. He’s still really raw at the moment - there’s spoils to come. He was just going through the motions.”
“I was glad to get the opportunity to ride him and it was a happy one.”
Tim echoed those sentiments.
“Shout out to Willy McCarthy. It was great to have him ride for the stable and even better for him to notch up one last win.”
With the protest ultimately dismissed and the result confirmed, Biratu’s career is officially underway. There is plenty of upside still to come, and while he may still be learning, Friday’s performance suggests he has the ability to measure up as the preparation unfolds.
“We’ll see how he pulls up,” Tim added, “but we’d love to give him another one this prep.”