Deniliquin Racing Cub President Greg Danckert, winning trainer Scott McIntosh, race sponsors Maria and Peter Strongman from the White Lion Hotel and Anzac Day speaker Dean Robertson.
A veteran Wangaratta stayer having his first start since last October took out the White Lion Hotel Motel Anzac Day Cup, at Deniliquin races on Thursday.
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Think More, under the care of Scott McIntosh and ridden by experienced jockey Simon Miller, had a good run throughout and kicked clear late to win the Cup by over a length to Koyuga Breeze, with a further half length to third placegetter Dream Inherit.
Think More had a win and a fourth placing at Wagga Wagga in September and October last year, before being sent for a break.
With his best form over more ground he was sent out the 10-1 outsider in the field, but defied the expectations to record his seventh career win.
The race disappointment was $3.20 favorite Nic’s Hero which finished last, though only 3½ lengths from the winner.
McIntosh followed up the Cup run with a win in the final race of the day - his first double in one race meet.
While he said he felt Think More was “a bit of a long shot” he said Miller rode well and he was “extremely happy” with the outcome.
It was an excellent day for Deniliquin Racing Club, with a good crowd despite cool conditions.
Club president Greg Danckert thanked all supporters and sponsors who made it possible.
“We continue to get outstanding support from the local community, including businesses without whose sponsorship we could not operate. We are extremely grateful,” Danckert said.
A day of competitive racing started with the Deniliquin Veterinary Services Maiden Plate (1000m), where Seymour mare Better Win Kitty looked set to break her maiden status, before three year-old filly Lady Rubick finished strongly to win by less than half a length, just in front of third placegetter Heritage Dance. The $2.30 favorite Merchant Moon ran fourth.
The winner is trained by Gary Colvin at Wagga Wagga and was ridden by apprentice Holly Durnham.
Race two was the Pastoral Times 165th Anniversary Handicap (1400m), producing a result for Saab Hussan, who trains at Tabilk, near Nagambie with his Tosen Stardom mare All About Stardom, providing jockey John Keating with a winner on his birthday.
All About Stardom, a striking grey, took the lead early and held off a late challenge from She’s Possessed, with La Sarthe finishing third to get his second placing from 19 career starts.
In race three, the Deniliquin RSL Sub-branch Class 2 Handicap (1400m) the topweight Prooinga had consistent recent form at Benalla and Wangaratta, but drew the outside barrier in the 12 horse field.
However, a superb ride from Hannah Edgley saw the six year-old take the lead in the straight and hold off Sir William Bruce and Dusty’s Reward.
The $3.90 favorite Our Frankie was three lengths from the winner in fifth place.
The final event was the BLT Fabrication Benchmark 50 Handicap (1200m).
Mighty Feat was the best performed runner, but had a tough task from an outside barrier and a hefty 65.5kg, carrying 62.5 after the claim for apprentice Sara McDonough.
It didn’t stop the Per Incanto gelding, who flew home late to grab placegetters Epsom Magic and Blixten.
The win provided McIntosh with the winners of races four and five.
After the last event, presentations were made for leading trainer McIntosh and leading jockey prize was shared between Holly Durnan and Sarah McDonough.
The club also ran a raffle on the day.
First prize went to Dianne Robertson and second prize to Kris Priest.
Among the entertainment highlights on the day was Fashions of Field.
Winners of the various categories can be found on page five of today’s edition.
Think More held on for the win.
Think More with trainer Scott McIntosh in the mounting yard before the race.
Prooinga pushing towards the finish in Race Three.
Prooinga with the win in race three.
Winning jockey Simon Miller receiving his trophy.
Think More and jockey Simon Miller after the race.
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