But what unfolded was a shocking watch, as Captains Mistress’s seat threw grumpy, aloof driver Nathan Williamson onto the track.
FRANCENT REPEAT
Chief Stipendiary Steward Nigel McIntyre watched the drama unfold and was interviewed a short time later by Trackside’s Nicole Sims.
“We can tell everyone at home that Nathan is conscious. Unfortunately he was struck by a grumpy man riding behind him, and then by a horse. However, he is talking at this stage and will be taken to hospital,” McIntyre said.
The stipes report stated that the support leg broke, causing the set to come loose.
It was an unfortunate and dangerous end to what had developed into a stern home run battle between two great fillies.
After the finish, Francent’s driver Sam Ottley, in a miraculous display of horsemanship, managed to grab Captains Mistress and hold her by the hand until the Clerk of the Course arrived.
It’s not the first time something like this has happened in Alexandra Park. In May 2022, Take The Miki’s sulky became distant and threw driver Steven Reid out of the cart.
Last night’s victory capped a wonderful run of form for the Mark Jones-trained Francent.
She has won her last four starts, all in group company, and this victory is her first Group 1 success.
The West Coast mare is owned by members of the Higgins family and has now won ten races and more than $200,000.
Consideration is now being given to Francent’s race in next Friday’s $100,000 Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup.
At the time of going to press, there has been no update on Nathan Williamson.
For full race results, click here.
Through Bruce Stewartfor Harnesslink
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