Justice is only an occasional visitor to the racecourse but was most certainly present at Kembla Tuesday to witness the impressive victory of HEDGE FUND.
A placegetter in three of his previous five starts, the Winning Rupert 4YO finally found his way to the winner’s circle in the 1200m Maiden Plate.
His owners had had a thorough test of patience after the horse required 12 months off following knee surgery, resuming with a narrow defeat at Hawkesbury on February 14. He was then caught wide from a bad gate at the same track before a fast finishing 2nd at Gosford.
Jumping straight to the front in a depleted field, the gelding was never troubled to race away and win by 4 lengths, handling the heavy track with aplomb.
“That was absolutely faultless”, said jockey Josh Parr soon after the race.
“Being familiar with his surroundings helped. He knew where he was, appreciated the ground and let down really well. I believe he’s on an upward spiral. There’s more to come from him.”
Trainer Kerry Parker was chuffed when the scratchings tumbled out of the race reducing the field to a mere quartet but was delighted to finally be the recipient of some good fortune.
“Well that was a pretty easy watch in the end”, beamed Parker.
“He was really deserving of that and got through the going really well which was what we really expected. But always good to tick that box.”
HEDGE FUND became Proven’s 21st victory of the year and 32nd for the 22/23 season.
Hedge Fund gets a big maiden win!@JoshuaParr8 aboard for @kjparkerracing and @ProvenTbreds. pic.twitter.com/wnic3bg0sp
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 28, 2023