Coeur Volante returns to winner’s list at Sandown in 2026

The decision to bring Coeur Volante back into training has paid off, with the mare finding success at Sandown.

Her victory in the IVE> Handicap (1400m) on Wednesday was her second start for her new owners, who purchased her for $500,000 last spring through Widden Stud and Bangaloe Stud.

Coeur Volante had been sent to stud after finishing last at Flemington in the spring but was returned to training when she failed to get in foal.

She resumed racing with the Lindsay Park team of Ben, Will and Jd Hayes, finishing third at Caulfield on May 30, before appreciating an increase in distance on Saturday.

With the advantage of Jackson Radley’s 3kg claim, Coeur Volante ($4.60) won by 1-¼ lengths from Boltsaver ($5), with Punch Lane ($5) a nose behind in third.

J D Hayes mentioned that the Group 1 Tatt’s Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 27 would be considered for the mare.

Coeur Volante ran second last in the Tatt’s Tiara last year, marking the end of a long campaign.

“It’s a good problem for our Monday discussions whether we potentially head north or just keep her down here,” Hayes shared.

“She’s in a really good system at the moment and has come through the Pakenham base and she presented in fantastic order.”

“I dare say she could be a bit of an ATM at the moment.”

“We’re very thankful to the ownership group for giving her back to us to train.”

“She had a bit of time off and came back refreshed and in good order and certainly benefitted from her last run.”

“She got a beautiful run in transit and when the race changed complexion, Jackson rode her perfectly.”

“It was good to see her get her head in the winner’s stall as it had been a while between drinks.”

Saturday’s win was Coeur Volante’s first since claiming the Group 3 Mannerism Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in February 2025, just days before her previous trainer Mike Moroney passed away after a long battle with illness.

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