3 minute read
Experienced Hawkesbury horseman Peter Green deservedly paid tribute to his brother Clinton after another Wyong success today.
Green landed the Metro & Provincial Maiden Handicap (1600m) with former Victorian filly Auvergne , a $3000 bargain buy who was having only her second start for him.
Apprentice Mikayla Weir hugged the inside rail on Auvergne ($7.50), and she overhauled Clever Man ($8) in the shadows of the post to give the trainer his second victory this month – both at Wyong.
He had scored with Butch'N'Bugs – who also fetched only $3000 at a Scone sale two years ago – on April 9.
"Clint does a great job sorting out these horses," Green said this evening after returning home.
"He spends a lot of time and has his own program, and bought this filly (Auvergne) online through Inglis Digital last December.
"She hasn't taken long to more than recoup her purchase price (today's race was worth $17,325 to the winner).
"Clinton also bought The Wild Wild West cheaply from Victoria, and we had high hopes for her after she won at Taree in September, 2018 at only her second start for us.
"Unfortunately, she went amiss when resuming at Muswellbrook in January last year."
Auvergne, a three-year-old daughter of Dawn Approach, was previously prepared by Patrick Payne, and had three unplaced starts for him.
Green was confident the filly would race well today after a debut fifth in a Wyong Maiden Plate (1350m) on April 16.
"Auvergne was a bit fresh that day at her first start since November and overraced," Green said.
"With that run under her belt and going up to the 'mile' today, I expected her to give a good sight."
Green took out a harness racing trainer-driver licence at 16 years of age and had success in both New South Wales and New Zealand.
He later worked as a steward in the industry in both NSW and Western Australia and, after taking out his thoroughbred licence a few years ago, broke through with another "cheapie", $700 buy Prime Justice, at the annual Bong Bong picnic meeting in November, 2017.
It was a busy day for Green Brothers Racing with four runners at Wyong today, and lightly-raced Spanish Fighter ($21) also did the stable proud in finishing third in the Maiden Handicap (1100m).
The Bull Point youngster was having only his second start, and connections were eager for him to earn some prizemoney to make the field for the Inglis 2YO Challenge (1100m) at the Scone Cup meeting on May 15.
"Spanish Fighter will go out for a break after Scone," Green said. "He is still growing and will be even better as a three-year-old."
. Auvergne is an historic region in Central France, and very popular with hiking and skiing enthusiasts.
Because of her French name, no prizes for guessing this filly's stable nickname is Paris!
