Sometimes patience in racing is rewarded…sometimes not. In the case of Wednesday’s 1350m Maiden winner at Ipswich, it’s been a 16 month wait for connections since a very tame last of 7 on debut.
THINK GLORY had her owners ‘thinking’ of anything but, following that humble beginning, however the 4YO mare finally delivered in emphatic style when racing clear to break her duck.
Trainers Steve O’Dea (a shareholder in the horse) and Matt Hoysted, never lost faith in the daughter of SO YOU THINK despite her challenging record of a beaten favourite on five occasions!
“Today was well overdue! This is a mare who’s always shown above average ability really, especially early doors but probably been her own worst enemy just wanting to over do things. She’s come back a lot more mature this time and is really switching off in her races which is really good to see,” said a very satisfied Hoysted.
“You’d struggle to find a horse looking better here all day. She looks sensational.”
Rider Baylee Nothdurft, who’d almost been unseated in the first race after third placegetter THATFEELSBETTER clipped heels close to the winning post resulting in a subsequent suspension for Brad Pengelly, was understandably delighted to be on the better side of Lady Luck in the very next race.
“A really good win. Drew wide, began well and then tried to fight me for a stride or two so I just allowed her to stride forward and she relaxed really nicely. Was a bit worried I got to the front too soon on her but she put the field away and kept going with her run,” Nothdurft said.
Connections of THATFEELSBETTER were able to breathe a sigh of relief on Thursday morning after the horse trotted up sound.
An $80k purchase from the Magic Millions January Sale in 2019, THINK GLORY now looks destined for slightly longer trips and hopefully, better races. The victory was Proven’s 18th for the season.