3 minute read
Trainer and jockey quotes after the Group 2 Drummond Golf Vase at Moonee Valley on Saturday won by Apulia.
Race Result:
1st: Apulia (M Zahra/B, W & JD Hayes) - $4.20
2nd: Verdad (B Mertens/R Griffiths & M de Kock) - $2.45F
3rd: Air Assault (D Lane/A Gluyas) - $4.60
Winning Time: 2:04.36 Last 600m: N/A
Margins: 2L x 1½L
The son of Fiorente notches his second career win & a treble for Mark Zahra @lindsayparkrace pic.twitter.com/NRrTtQ3Kgs
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 28, 2023
Winning Trainer: Ben, JD & Will Hayes (JD speaking)
"He really appreciated the quick back-up. He was on the back of a slow pace and he was doing a few things wrong.
"He's a big strong colt and he was really tough today. A ten-out-of-ten ride from Mark Zahra."
On backing up: "There was an influence with the 50 per-cent ownership with Dad, and the Garretts were fully supportive as well.
"We bred him and race him in conjunction with the Garretts and it is such a huge result.
"We'll see how he is. He's a big, strong colt and I dare say he'll back up again."
Mum and Dad in town: "The horse was on his best behaviour. He must have known the big boss was here today, as we all do. He got his manners perfect. When Dad's around we have to be on our best behaviour."
Winning Jockey: Mark Zahra
"It was a good run last start. In a smallish field, better barrier. I was able to lob in the right spot.
"That was his third run in three weeks and he picked up quick when I needed him to. I needed him to get around the other horse and he got around them quick and was able to join them on the turn.
"I felt I let Zac (Purton on Koning) take me as far as I could. All of these horses were up to the 2000 (metres) for the first time. You factor that in as well.
"But I reckon I won it from the 600 to the 300 with his turn-of-foot."
