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Local runner Who Dares Wins upset the favourites when he produced a bold finishing burst to capture his first win at stakes level when scoring in the Listed Christchurch Casino Easter Cup (1600m).
The popular six-year-old Iffraaj gelding had his large band of connections roaring the grandstand down as he breasted up alongside Residential and northern visitor Contessa Vanessa with 150m to run before forging clear for a comprehensive victory.
The win marked a wonderful effort from trainers Tony and Lyn Prendergast who produced their charge fresh-up from a lengthy summer spell with just a pair of trial wins last month to fit him for his assignment.
“It hasn’t been easy,” Tony Prendergast said as he waited for his charge to return to the Riccarton birdcage.
“It’s four months since he raced and although he’s had a couple of trials it wasn’t against much opposition.
“It all worked out good in the finish though.”
Prendergast admitted the stable was happy leading into the race but that didn’t mean they were confident of success.
“We weren’t overly confident although we knew he was well,” he said.
“We were just worried about not being quite as seasoned as the others with the wet track.”
Rider Samantha Wynne paid tribute to the Prendergast stable for having her mount ready to win in the testing Heavy10 track conditions on the day.
“Credit goes to Tony and Lyn and the team at home,” she said.
“When you’re pulling off heels at the 700m at Riccarton you know you are travelling not too bad.
“I thought I might have been unlucky at that point, but it probably did me a favour.
“I think this horse can go on to bigger and better things.”
Who Dares Wins is the son of stakes-placed Centaine mare, Wee Tipple and has now registered seven wins and a further 13 placings from 47 starts. – NZ Racing Desk