Bart Cummings scored himself a brilliant 2YO who stormed the season of 1966

Storm Queen, a bay filly under the tutelage of Bart Cummings, demonstrated exceptional prowess on Australian racetracks during her inaugural racing season, securing eight consecutive victories. In 1966, the remarkable filly emerged as a dominant force in the world of horse racing. With jockey Roy Higgins skillfully guiding her, Storm Queen achieved unparalleled success, capturing numerous prestigious stake races and leaving an indelible mark on the sport. The majority of her triumphs occurred during the 1966 season, notably the 6-furlong Golden Slipper Stakes, which was determined by a photo finish between Storm Queen and Academy Star, who engaged in a fierce neck-and-neck competition in the final stretch. Storm Queen emerged victorious by a narrow margin, with Very Merry securing the third position.

The other 6-furlong races won by the fiery mare during the year were the SAJC Blood Horse Breeders' Stakes, VATC Merson Cooper Stakes, and the AJC Champagne Stakes. During the Sydney Autumn Carnival, Storm Queen also won the AJC Champagne Stakes over 6 furlongs. She also ran the distance of 7 furlongs, winning the VRC Sires' Produce Stakes in the same year. A bay daughter of Coronation Boy (Nasrullah by Nearco) from the mare Storm Gleam (Sun Storm), she was foaled in 1963. Her racetrack debut ended in defeat, but it was followed by eight successive wins in her two-year-old season including that victory in the 1966 STC Golden Slipper Stakes.

Storm Queen won a series of mile races in 1966 as well which included the MVRC Moonee Valley Stakes, VRC Edward Maniford Stakes, VATC Caulfield Guineas, and VRC George Adams Handicap. In 1967, Storm Queen won the VRC Lightning Stakes over 5 furlongs, but failed to make a placing in the AJC Doncaster Handicap. Among the jockeys to taste success with Storm Queen were both Roy Higgins and Johnny Miller.

Storm Queen was retired from racing in 1967 with a record of 13 wins from 20 starts, which included 2 second places and a third. The Group 1 Storm Queen Stakes for three-year-old fillies was held every year in April at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, on the day of the Golden Slipper Stakes. It held that name from 1979 until 1991, was renamed the Vinery Stud Storm Queen Stakes in 2009 and is now deemed just the Vinary Stud Stakes. The 2000 metre race holds prize money of $500,000 and attracts the best fillies across the country. It has been won by Miss Finland, Fangirl, Verry Elleegant's first G1 and by Kiwi horses Prowess in 2023 and Orchestral 2024. The race is a run up to the prestigious Gr.1 Australian Oaks over 2400 metres. Some horses compete for a double at the carnival with Serenade Rose achieving it in 2006, followed by Heavenly Glow in 2008.

RACE RECORD - 20: 13-2-1

EARNINGS - A£50,243 ($101,000)

SAJC Breeders' Stakes (1966)

VRC Sires' Produce Stakes (1966)

Golden Slipper Stakes (1966)

Champagne Stakes (1966)

Moonee Valley Stakes (1966)

Edward Manifold Stakes (1966)

Caulfield Guineas (1966)

George Adams Handicap (1966)

Lightning Stakes (1967)