3 minute read
Trainer and jockey quotes after Independent Road takes out Global Turf BM 84 Handicap at Ballarat on Saturday.
Race Result:
1st: Independent Road (B, W & J D Hayes/M Dee) - $10
2nd: Tycoon Bec (M Cumani/C Hefel) - $7
3rd: Glitter 'N' Gold (L Smith/T Madden) - $26
Winning Time: 2:06.68 Last 600m: N/A
Margins: Half-Head x Short-Head
That was a slog in tough conditions at Ballarat
— Racing.com (@Racing) December 9, 2023
Independent Road kicks in the middle & wins for @lindsayparkrace pic.twitter.com/bEEqFQBXQH
Winning Trainer: Ben, Will & J D Hayes (Ben speaking)
Sentimental win: "Unfortunately, Tom Payne, who has been a massive supporter of the whole family from C S, to dad and now us, passed away last week. It's such a special win. He was really running for Tom and the whole Payne family. The funeral was a couple of days ago and to see him come out and win like that, was pretty special. He's in a good vein of form. He won first-up over 1500 metres, which we didn't expect and then today on a heavy track, although he's won on a heavy, he doesn't particularly like it, but he was able to win. That was very special for Lindsay Park and the Payne family to get the win."
What's next: "He's won his last two and he's gone up in the ratings. There's lots of open races at this time of the year. We'll probably look to keep him at 2000 metres. There's a couple of nice races coming up, but there's no real plans for him."
Winning Jockey: Michael Dee
Special win: "Unfortunately Tom Payne passed away and I'm sure he was riding with us there. Credit to the horse and it's nice that he has been able to win for the family today."
What was significant about the win: "He made hard work of it to be honest. He jumped well and as soon as we went to the front he was trying to put the handbrake on and had his ears pricked the whole way. He just needed those horses to come to him to give him that helping hand and that's exactly what happened. They came to us with 100 (metres) to go and he fought on. It was a good effort."
