3 minute read
Trainer and jockey quotes following the Group 2 Challenge Stakes won by Eduardo at Randwick on Saturday.
Race Result:
1st: Eduardo (N Rawiller/J Pride) - $8.50
2nd: Nature Strip (J McDonald/C Waller) - $1.95
3rd: Bella Vella (J Collett/W Clarken) - $26
Winning Time: 55.20 (TR) Last 600m: 32.86
Margins: Nose x 3¾L
Track record! Eduardo gets the win in a thrilling Challenge Stakes. An incredible run down the straight by @nashhot for @PrideRacing! pic.twitter.com/laJoCu2yAx
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 6, 2021
Winning Trainer: Joe Pride
On the win: "When he got headed I said he'll fight. You could see he was in for the battle. It was an amazing performance. They've carved up the track record. That is the second time I've done that. De Lightning Ridge broke the track record in the Challenge. He deserves all the accolades, great work from the team at home. Absolutely pumped - amazing."
On his style: "He's been a different horse to work with. Full credit to Michelle who rides him in track work. And all the team getting this horse to switch off. After he ran that race in the Everest which we want to forget about, it wasn't the horses fault."
"He's not a hard going horse. Everybody gave him this reputation of a mad bolting horse, he's not. He's a relaxed customer. He's beaten on his day probably the best horse in Australia over a sprint trip. It's more just been about being able to start from the very beginning this preparation bringing him back and getting him to do things our way. Getting him into a routine."
"He's a 7yo racing more like a 5yo. He's 100% sound horse. I'm so excited. He's going to be hard to beat in that Galaxy. I just needed him to see him run well today, it wasn't expected. I hope the handicappers are kind to him."
On the future: "I might have to relive that old WBS No 2."
Winning Jockey: Nash Rawiller
On the horse: "He's as tough as nails, the little horse. Full credit to Joe, he's done an amazing job with him since he's got him, to set him for a first up assignment like this.
"He left me no instructions, just left it to me."
On the race: " The horse jumped well. It was important he got into a lovely rhythm.
"There were 10 leaders and I just thought if we kept our options open we might end up swinging across a lot easier than you'd think.
On the tight finish: "You could tell at the 100m he was going to get there.
"My bloke is like Fighting Harada trying to take on a heavyweight boxer.
"Nature Strip was in the same boat as us probably, to come back here and have a quiet week, that's probably just taken its toll in the last 50m.
"Joe's done an amazing job getting this horse spot on."
Beaten Jockeys:
James McDonald (Nature Strip): "He's gone so well. In really good form."
Jade Darose (Jungle Edge): "Went good. Track was too firm."
Josh Parr (Splintex): "Bit of a mess in the middle stages and he copped the worst of it. Decent effort."
Stephanie Thornton (The Odyssey): 'Unfortunately a little bit slick for us today."
Kathy O'Hara (Spaceboy): "Really credible effort from the horse. He obviously appreciates softer going than today but really proud of his effort out there."
Jason Collett (Bella Vella): "Powered home well."
Tommy Berry (Written Beauty): "Just copped a bit of scrimmaging early and she didn't handle that pressure."
