3 minute read
Trainer and jockey quotes after Viral wins the Cox Plate Multi Membership Handicap at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Race Result:
1st: Viral (Craig Williams/Danny O'Brien)
2nd: Skyman (Damien Thornton/Chris Waller)
3rd: Shot Of Irish (Tahlia Hope/Scott Brunton)
Winning Time: TBA Last 600m: N/A
Margins: Half Head x ¾L
Viral lifts and wins the last at @TheValley. pic.twitter.com/wERR4NkmMI
— Racing.com (@Racing) August 21, 2021
Winning Trainer: Danny O'Brien (rep by Ben Gleeson)
"Really tough effort. He deserves a win. He's been consistent every prep for us and his owners have been very patient with him. Today it was a much deserved win.
"With that win he has to step up to open (class) now, doesn't he. He's always been that tricky horse that when he runs in an 84 he's got too much weight on his back and today he gets the job done. So probably have to step up to some better quality races, whether that's listed or around that mark, he certainly deserves the chance today after beating some handy horses."
On Sovereign Award: "First-up, we've seen it all too often when they go out that hard. Unfortunately it was a bit of a bubble burst but she always derives plenty of fitness out of those runs.
"I think we saw the same effort first-up in the CF Orr last prep and she went on to win two group races. So we're not going to bat an eye about it, there's bigger plans for the rest of the prep for her."
Winning Jockey: Craig Williams
"I was really lucky. I had the right horse. The stable of Danny O'Brien, the staff, his multiple complexes and training centres, they've done a really good job with this horse. It's not easy to win at this grade especially when looking towards the spring.
"They've spaced his runs, they're managing him and we always had the question mark on 1500 (metres) but after his performance today in a race with so much pressure and quality horses, he came out with flying colours and if he did have a kink in his armour then he wouldn't have been winning today.
"He really gave me a good ride and I've got a lot of respect for the opposition - the one that finished beside him and the couple behind him."
Memsie Stakes nest Saturday: "Tofane is now my ride in the Group 1 Memsie. Congratulations to Racing Victoria to promote Group 1 races and the prizemoney boost. It's fantastic.
"I've been listening to Matt Hill at the Olympics and to me motivated by great sporting events and performances, now it is our time to shine in racing. We saw some good horses today in Sydney and it is really exciting times for the next three months and really looking forward to the challenge."
