CASTLE HILL STANDS TALL ON PALLARENDA STAKES DAY

CASTLE HILL STANDS TALL ON PALLARENDA STAKES DAY

The Pallarenda Stakes is always one of the most exciting races on the Cluden Park calendar.

As the first race of the season for our new crop of two-year-olds, it gives us our first glimpse at the horses we could be talking about in the future.

Last year, that horse was Better Blitzem, who won the Pallarenda before going on to establish himself as one of North Queensland’s standout two-year-olds.

On Sunday, it was Castle Hill who made the first impression.

Starting at $21, Castle Hill got the better of Roweiner’s Magic when the race was there to be won, before holding his advantage as Boogie On By charged home late into third.

Trained locally by Terry McGovern and ridden by Peta Edwards, Castle Hill was purchased for just $15,000 at the 2026 Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale.

And for Townsville, the name could hardly be more fitting.

Last year, the Pallarenda introduced us to Better Blitzem.

This year, Castle Hill stands tall.