At the finish Hacksaw Ridge (A rock and roll dance) held on by half a length to beat The Big Lebowski’s fast finish, with a brave Tempo Warrior one and a half lengths back in third.
HACKSAW RIDGE REPEAT
“He got away well, so that put him in a good position. And he probably followed the right horse, another A Rocknroll Dance (Tempo Warrior). He actually just finished on top,” said trainer Ricky Gutsell.
Hacksaw Ridge’s mother Insar, who won seven races for Robbie Holmes, has now sired foals who have won forty-eight races between them, many of them on grass.
“They don’t grow a leg, they just don’t slow down on a grass track. They’re not champions, but they do their best on the grass, so that’s to their advantage.”
Gutsell admits that he is not a patient man and that Insar’s foals were all very difficult to train.
“You have to work with them, not against them and they reward you. He’s the easiest to get along with to be honest. He doesn’t have any dirt, but he does have a few quirks. For example, one day he won’t give you his tongue to put on the tongue tie. One day he won’t let you put on the bridle. Little things that annoy the hell out of you, but you just have to put up with it.”
Gutsell says Hacksaw Ridge will now start at the Riverton meet, which will also take place on the grass.
The victory was one of four by Oamaru leader Matty Williamson. His other winners were Major Boy, Harriet’s Moment and Ultimate Perfection.
Burnham trainer Mark Jones also had a great day, winning three races: Mighty Flying Miki, Seaside Croft and Wanna Play A Game.
For full race results, click here.
Through Bruce Stewartfor Harnesslink
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