3 minute read

Former Warrnambool Cup winner Furrion has found winning form again with success in the ATA Celebrates Women Trainers Handicap.

Lindsey Smith has praised the winning ride of Declan Bates after Furrion found his way back into the winner's circle at Flemington. 

Furrion's win in the ATA Celebrates Women Trainers Handicap (2000m) on Saturday was the gelding's first since winning the 2019 Warrnambool Cup for Lindsay Park. 

A tendon injury forced Furrion to the sidelines for almost 18 months and in five runs last campaign, under the care of Tom Dabernig and Ben Hayes, the gelding finished in the second-half of the field on each occasion. 

Transferred to Smith at Warrnambool this campaign, Furrion is a rejuvenated galloper and is enjoying being back at the beachside town again working on the beach. 

Working off the fence before the hometurn, Bates had Furrion ($5) ready to strike early in the straight before holding off Dr Drill ($17) by a head with Orleans Rock ($11) 1-¼ lengths away third. 

"I think (owner) Gerry (Ryan) might have to give him (Bates) a new caravan for that one because the ride won the race," Smith said. 

"He got off the favourites' back at the right time. The leader tried to stack them up and I think the leader collapsed a little bit. 

"It was a good ride and it won the race." 

Smith said he was pleased to see the fight produced by Furrion when tackled by Dr Drill which indicated the horse still had the competitive juices to be a racehorse. 

He said Furrion would also derive confidence from the win. 

Smith is not aiming too high at this stage with Furrion and hopes to head to The Valley for a 2040m race in a fortnight. 

"I think we just savour the moment," Smith said. 

"It is good to have him back and it is good to have a winner for these owners in those colours."