PONSONBY READY FOR ANOTHER QUEENSLAND MISSION WITH GELDING

IT’S a week later than planned, but James Ponsonby is off to Brisbane again this weekend chasing another victory with Queensland specialist Philipsburg.

Saturday’s $250,000 Listed Ipswich Cup (2150m) is the Hawkesbury trainer’s target with his seven-year-old gelding.

Ponsonby initially had last Saturday’s $400,000 Group 2 Brisbane Cup (3200m) at Eagle Farm – won by Sydney stayer Campaldino, who made it four wins on end – in mind, but a paddock mishap put paid to those thoughts.

“Philipsburg banged his leg and it was swollen, so I called the vet out, who said it was just some inflammation,” Ponsonby said today.

“In hindsight, it was probably the right decision not to go to the Cup anyway.

“I wasn’t sure Philipsburg would get the distance.

“The Ipswich Cup looks more suitable, and Winona Costin will ride the gelding.

“She has given him a good gallop at home, and was happy to go back to Queensland to stay with him.”

Costin, who has been Ponsonby’s most successful rider (with 24 of his 60 winners), was aboard when Philipsburg won consecutive races at Doomben and Eagle Farm in April.

The rising eight-year-old scored over 2200m in a Benchmark 80 Handicap at Doomben, and a week later took a Benchmark 90 Handicap (2212m) at Eagle Farm.

Former New Zealander Philipsburg has been a mainstay of Ponsonby’s stable after switching from harness racing as a trainer and driver.

He bought the gelding for $20,000 online in October 2020 after he had been unplaced in New Zealand as a two-year-old in December the previous year and then three barrier trials in Queensland without starting again.

Philipsburg has now won 10 times and been placed 10 times, and earned just over $631,000.

Ponsonby intends heading to Brisbane on Thursday night with the gelding, who will be his first starter at Ipswich.

He also intends taking stablemate Will To Excel if he secures a start in the Provincial Stayers Final (a Benchmark 78 Handicap, 2500m).

After winning over 2400m at Warren on June 2, Will To Excel finished eighth over 2100m in a Benchmark 66 Handicap (2100m) at Tamworth yesterday.

“It was a wasted trip,” Ponsonby said. “He missed the start and never got into the race, and I had five hours to think about it driving home.”

Story John Curtis, June 17, 2025 - Pics Bradley Photos