Valediction
Colleen Petch
One of the best CV's in Australian racing has received an unlikely update with Valediction winning the Brierly Steeplechase for Gai Waterhouse.
Waterhouse has been a regular figure at Warrnambool in recent times and Tuesday's success was her first win at the three-day carnival.
Ridden by Brad McLean, the Zabeel gelding Valediction ($3.80) scored a four-length win over King Triton ($15) with Danzadoozie ($8.50) five lengths away third.
Waterhouse was over the moon with the victory of Valediction who was sent over from New Zealand.
The son of Zabeel has now won four of his 16 starts over jumps and more than $200,000 prize money.
"Didn't he do it easily," Waterhouse said.
"He was never out of a canter and what's he going to do on Thursday?
"It's a huge thrill and the horse has just come of age.
"Half the battle of winning a Grand Annual is having the horse."
It was McLean's second Brierly success after guiding Cats Fun to victory in 2013.
While McLean said the win was bittersweet he noted the rise in trip from Tuesday's 3450m to 5500m in the Grand Annual Steeplechase on Thursday wouldn't pose a concern for the gelding after he was eased down over the final 100m.
"I think he will love another lap," McLean said.
"He gets in a rhythm and keeps going providing he jumps well which he did today.
"He's on the up and he gets in with a light weight.
"All I had to do today was come here and get the job done."
Bred at Windsor Park Stud, Valediction was passed in at $130,000 at the 2009 Premier Yearling Sale at Karaka. Windsor Park Stud is one of a plethora of owners of the gelding, who is also part-owned by Waterhouse.
Waterhouse has been a regular figure at Warrnambool in recent times and Tuesday's success was her first win at the three-day carnival.
Ridden by Brad McLean, the Zabeel gelding Valediction ($3.80) scored a four-length win over King Triton ($15) with Danzadoozie ($8.50) five lengths away third.
Waterhouse was over the moon with the victory of Valediction who was sent over from New Zealand.
The son of Zabeel has now won four of his 16 starts over jumps and more than $200,000 prize money.
"Didn't he do it easily," Waterhouse said.
"He was never out of a canter and what's he going to do on Thursday?
"It's a huge thrill and the horse has just come of age.
"Half the battle of winning a Grand Annual is having the horse."
It was McLean's second Brierly success after guiding Cats Fun to victory in 2013.
While McLean said the win was bittersweet he noted the rise in trip from Tuesday's 3450m to 5500m in the Grand Annual Steeplechase on Thursday wouldn't pose a concern for the gelding after he was eased down over the final 100m.
"I think he will love another lap," McLean said.
"He gets in a rhythm and keeps going providing he jumps well which he did today.
"He's on the up and he gets in with a light weight.
"All I had to do today was come here and get the job done."
Bred at Windsor Park Stud, Valediction was passed in at $130,000 at the 2009 Premier Yearling Sale at Karaka. Windsor Park Stud is one of a plethora of owners of the gelding, who is also part-owned by Waterhouse.
