Sunday Territorian

Polarisati­on, Brown prove ‘first’ Sydney Cup win was no fluke

- CARYL WILLIAMSON

JUST in case anyone missed it the first time, English visitor Polarisati­on has won the rerun of the Sydney Cup at Randwick yesterday to the relief of his jockey and the jubilation of his stable.

Charlie Appleby’s assistant trainer James Ferguson admitted it was not an easy decision to delay the return of Polarisati­on and Penglai Pavilion to England after the Cup was called off on April 8.

“He has done so well in the two weeks between the two runs and I’m so proud of him,” Ferguson said.

“I’m glad we stayed and this horse deserves it.”

Six horses finished the first running of the $2 million Sydney Cup (3200m) with their jockeys unaware the race had been called off after Almoonqith was fatally injured and Who Shot The Barman lost his rider.

Corey Brown had to ride Polarisati­on at a light 51.5kg, which was not so easy the second time around but in the end worth the sweat to come up with a unique achievemen­t.

“No jockey has won the Sydney Cup twice in two weeks,” Brown said. “I told them they should have left it a fortnight ago. It’s going to be the same result.” Despite his “win” Polarisati­on ($6.50) was third favourite behind Big Duke ($3.70), a non-finisher the first time around.

Who Shot The Barman ($12) showed no ill effects from the abandoned race and ran Polarisati­on to a short neck with a half length to Big Duke.

As Polarisati­on came back to the enclosure, Ferguson interrupte­d the celebratio­ns to take a call from Appleby who was naturally delighted. “I’ve got a great team here. It’s been an absolute pleasure,” Ferguson said.

“We’ve been well looked after. It’s just made it all worthwhile. I’m just absolutely delighted and so pleased for Sheikh Mohammed, Dubai and Godolphin.”

Polarisati­on and Penglai Pavilion ($5.50) who finished fifth, will now head home but are likely to be back in the spring.

“All being well, he’ll (Polarisati­on) will come back for the Melbourne Cup,” Ferguson said.

“I’m not sure about Penglai Pavilion. He may not get into the race but we will be back.”

As expected, three-year-old Lasqueti Spirit took up the running and was many lengths in front mid-race.

But when the pressure went on rounding the turn, the filly was found wanting.

 ?? Picture: SIMON BULLARD ?? The Charlie Appleby and James Ferguson-trained stayer Polarisati­on, with Corey Brown in the saddle, takes out the $2 million Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick yesterday
Picture: SIMON BULLARD The Charlie Appleby and James Ferguson-trained stayer Polarisati­on, with Corey Brown in the saddle, takes out the $2 million Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick yesterday

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