It was the New Empire of old today, and a welcome return to the winner’s stall for the Trackside Racing team at Gawler,with four-year-old gelding New Empire (More Than Ready x Western Invasion), taking out the 0-62, over 1211m.
Having had the three runs-in this preparation, the gelding was at his top for today’s event – looking exceptional in the mounting yard, and aided by an economical ride from Shayne Cahill, New Empire was able to charge down the middle of the track, and gain the prize right on the line.
Heavily backed to start an outright favourite, New Empire jumped cleanly from the gates, and having to contend with an outside barrier, Cahill eased the hot-pot back, to be amongst the tail-enders.
With a lap-full of horse coming to the turn and screaming for run, the decision by the jockey to go between runners, and not around them, has no doubt been the difference between winning and losing.
A horse that has always shown talent, today’s win takes New Empire to two wins, from his eight starts, and it appears on today’s performance, he will be adding to that tally again soon.
Congratulations to the owners Robert Chapman, Paul Crawford, Gerry Harvey, Peter Lord, Anthony Mezzini, Liz & Pat Noone, Matthew Pavlich, Roger Pfitzner, Miles Pfitzner, and Greg Yeomans.
The Trackside Team heads to Naracoorte on the 29th, where Bit of A Lair will be looking to break his maiden status, and give head-trainer Mark a wonderful birthday present.
Daniel Borg
Trackside Media