The Joe Pride-trained 3yo NOBLE PRIDE relished a heavy (10) track at Gosford on Thursday as he swept aside a maiden field in emphatic style.
The MAURICE breed are generally adept in wet ground but one can never be sure about an inexperienced horse being tested on rain-affected going for the first time.
After finishing a commendable 7th on debut in soft (5) conditions at Warwick Farm last month, the 3yo gelding stripped fitter for Thursday’s provincial assignment and had the benefit of barrier 3 in a field of 7, which was expertly utilised by rider Jay Ford.
As light rain fell around the course, NOBLE PRIDE mustered well to travel on the hindquarters of the leader KALIM. When KALIM weakened noticeably around the turn, NOBLE PRIDE was left exposed in the run home as second favourite KING OF THE TOP loomed ominously to his outside.
Our boy was not to be denied though, clicking into another gear once shown the persuader by Ford and racing away for a 2.5 length victory.
⚜️ Yulong-bred & -sold 3YO Noble Pride (Maurice x Queen Of Ascot) gets off the mark with a smart maiden victory at just his second start for @PrideRacing.
He was an @inglis_sales Premier Yearling Sale purchase by @ProvenTbreds and his trainer.
Congratulations to all involved… pic.twitter.com/OKcmLWld29
— Yulong Investments (@YulongInvest) July 9, 2026
“When I went for him, he responded very gamely and put the race away nicely,” Ford said.
“He doesn’t have that confidence yet but we were obviously dealing with a very heavy track today so I just tried to keep him comfortable and travelling for as long as I could.
“It’s only his second start and first trip away from home.
“All the early signs are positive and he’s only going to continue to flourish.”
Proven and Pride were also represented in the race by first starter BUCCANEERING, who endured an interrupted run before finishing an unlucky 6th.
NOBLE PRIDE chalked up Proven’s 40th winner for the season which concludes on July 31.
Proven Thoroughbreds and Pride Racing paid only $60,000 for NOBLE PRIDE at the 2024 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale. Almost half of that price has already been returned in prizemoney from his first two race starts.
