TOWN CRIER’S courageous first-up victory at Ipswich Wednesday resonated with both his connections and the many industry participants touched by SPIRIT OF BOOM.
It was the first Metropolitan grade winner for Queensland’s leading stallion since his sad loss only days ago and also the first at that level for stable apprentice Fiona Sandkuhl.
The fact TOWN CRIER so typically represented SPIRIT OF BOOM’s stock, gave the win more credence. Tough, sound genuine racehorses in the main, his stock has amassed well over 500 wins in his dozen years at stud.
Sandkuhl has ridden 18.5 winners on the provincial circuit this year so was deserving of a city victory, albeit actually conducted at Ipswich. Another first was the fact it was TOWN CRIER’s initial appearance at the track but the 5yo relished the tight corners, fighting on gamely after being headed in the straight.
“Coming around the turn he was going so much better than the leader,” a chuffed Sandkuhl announced after the race.
“When that horse sort of came up next to him, I thought he showed really good fight and toughed it out to the line.”
TOWN CRIER was one of a trio of Matt Hoysted-trained runners in the race, the more fancied Proven stablemate BREAK FREE running on well for 4th. Yet the outside gate, soft conditions and big weight first up were no deterrent for TOWN CRIER, now a 7-time winner from 22 career outings.
TOWN CRIER’s victory saw Proven’s seasonal tally of winners climb to 32.
