3 minute read

Trainer and jockey quotes after Character takes out the Listed Channel 7 Members’ Handicap at Doomben on Saturday.

Race Result:

1st: Character (James Cummings/Ben Thompson) - $12
2nd: Bigboyroy (Chris Waller/James McDonald) - $16
3rd: Santero (Steven O'Dea & Matthew Hoysted/Jaden Lloyd) - $6.50

Winning Time: 1:35.54 Last 600m: 34.08

Margins: Sh Neck x ½L

A winning return to Queensland for Character, who finishes best in the Listed Members' Handicap with @BenThompson2102 on board! pic.twitter.com/7EET8Ch9G8

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 13, 2023

Winning Trainer: James Cummings

On winning his first race for a while and the riding instructions: "It's great the horse gets some confidence back into him. I discussed with Ben (Thompson) 'don't ride him like he hasn't won for a year, ride him like he's won his last three. Get the bit between his teeth and fill him with confidence.'"

"This four-year-old Teofilo horse, he won the Queensland Guineas here of course a year ago. He's proven to be a better miler than a stayer and he let rip with a good turn of foot. It's a good result."

On the tough run stablemate Alcyone had: "Actually I felt a bit for the stablemate too, he had no luck three wide from the draw up there near the pace."

On bouncing back and finding his grade: "He did well to finish within only a few lengths from the winner there (at Newcastle) and not many lengths back from the pack. His performance at Newcastle was evidence to me that the Autumn carnival was not his go, we'll save him for the late Autumn up here and the Winter. Placement has been key with him and that can give him the confidence that he needs to keep going on with it."

Winning Jockey: Ben Thompson

On the horse's ability and the run: "He's had the talent the whole way along. Obviously the Royal Blue (Godolphin) line their horses up in big races. This guy ran in the Toorak in the spring and was beaten four lengths that day (8th). He's used to winning up here, barrier one, the race worked out lovely. I was four pairs back following Santero (3rd) which I was rapt and it popped off the fence. Between that and the tempo slowing I got a bit closer, got a beautiful run into the straight and the rest was up to him. He was the strongest miler late and obviously been superbly prepared by James Cummings and the Godolphin team."

On riding for Godolphin: "There's not many better feelings away from winning other than putting on these colours. Very grateful and fortunate to get these opportunities."