Wild Range Photography
The Daniel Champion and Kezia Murphy-trained He’s Gold made it back-to-back Cups wins on Wednesday when he took out the Reefton Cup (1400m) under a perfect ride from stable apprentice jockey Gee Saejorhor.
He’s Gold, who won the Kurow Cup late last month, punched straight to the lead for Saejorhor from his inside barrier before handing up to Xcuses Xcuses.
Saejorhoor improved his charge down the back straight, retaking the lead at the 600m mark and the son of My Halo ran on to win by a length over Tomm Jones, with Xcuses Xcuses a further 1-1/4 lengths back in third.
“It was a good effort and a nice ride too,” Champion said.
“It couldn’t have gone smoother. I actually told him (Saejorhor) to stay on the rail, but he took initiative and rode him really well.
“It was a ten out of ten ride. It was all his initiative and I just said to him take it in your stride and see how he goes. He came back in saying he was just doing pace work.”
He’s Gold will now be set for his first tilt at stakes company later this month when he contests the Listed Timaru Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton.
“That’s pretty much all that is around for him and he likes Riccarton,” Champion said. “He’s just a genuine fast track horse.”