Hursley
Darryl Sherer
Craig Williams produced a thrilling, eye-of-the-needle ride to get Hursley (NZ) (Makfi) home in the Helen Egan Handicap (2000m) and put one hand on the Victorian metro jockeys' premiership.
The ground saved when Williams stayed to the inside at about the 600m mark was the winning difference, as swooper Perfect Lifeline just missed the judge late out wide while topweight Hursley hugged the rail.
Williams said after his 69th metro win of the Victorian season that he had advised trainer Chris Waller, and owners Qatar Bloodstock, that a claiming apprentice might have been the better option for the horse coming into Saturday.
But they kept the faith in Williams, who in turn delivered the inch-perfect ride to secure the Roy Higgins Medal.
"I said even though I want to win the championship, it's detrimental [carrying 60kg], that you should give your horse every possible chance," Williams said post-race.
"The message came through that they were supporters of me for the championship, [so they booked me].
"Then I got a message the next day saying, 'Don't get beaten a head', so it was nice that he [Hursley] delivered.
"Congratulations to Chris Waller and his stable, and Hursley.
"He really stuck his head out, and he's been great this whole competition.
"I've got to thank all the jockeys in Victoria, as well as Dwayne Dunn, for making me ride so well."
Qatar Bloodstock's Geoffrey Faber said he hoped Hursley, who carried a 74 rating into the race, could sneak into some higher-class races now.
"He loves going left-handed - that's the key to him," Fabre said.
"Hopefully now he'll go up another three of four pounds with winning today, and he can go into the higher-rated races and get a lower weight.
"He'll keep going. He loves it [racing].
"He's been out on the track every fortnight for the past few weeks." -racing.com
The ground saved when Williams stayed to the inside at about the 600m mark was the winning difference, as swooper Perfect Lifeline just missed the judge late out wide while topweight Hursley hugged the rail.
Williams said after his 69th metro win of the Victorian season that he had advised trainer Chris Waller, and owners Qatar Bloodstock, that a claiming apprentice might have been the better option for the horse coming into Saturday.
But they kept the faith in Williams, who in turn delivered the inch-perfect ride to secure the Roy Higgins Medal.
"I said even though I want to win the championship, it's detrimental [carrying 60kg], that you should give your horse every possible chance," Williams said post-race.
"The message came through that they were supporters of me for the championship, [so they booked me].
"Then I got a message the next day saying, 'Don't get beaten a head', so it was nice that he [Hursley] delivered.
"Congratulations to Chris Waller and his stable, and Hursley.
"He really stuck his head out, and he's been great this whole competition.
"I've got to thank all the jockeys in Victoria, as well as Dwayne Dunn, for making me ride so well."
Qatar Bloodstock's Geoffrey Faber said he hoped Hursley, who carried a 74 rating into the race, could sneak into some higher-class races now.
"He loves going left-handed - that's the key to him," Fabre said.
"Hopefully now he'll go up another three of four pounds with winning today, and he can go into the higher-rated races and get a lower weight.
"He'll keep going. He loves it [racing].
"He's been out on the track every fortnight for the past few weeks." -racing.com
