Nyhan enjoying the ride as Pyxis claims another Alice feature

HE was as cool as a cucumber on the outside, but he must have been boiling like a volcano on the inside.

Alice Springs trainer Mark Nyhan had just won the second biggest race in the Red Centre.

His mighty six-year-old mare Pyxis ran her rivals off their legs yesterday to win the $100,000 Holdfast Insurance Brokers Pioneer Sprint (1200m).

Starting at $16, Pyxis faced a monumental challenge stepping up against quality opposition.

However, she had the runs on the board after seven wins, nine seconds and two thirds from 20 starts at Pioneer Park.

For Nyhan, who has been training for well over 30 years, it was the biggest win of his career.

Moving to the NT from New Zealand, he was based in Darwin before moving to Alice Springs five years ago.

“It’s a relief to finally win a big race,” he said. “She missed the start slightly, but in the end it was a good run and I’m so happy that it worked out.

“I wasn’t sure if I was even going to start her in the Pioneer, but the plan came off.

“It’s not every day that a $100,000 race comes along, but the fact that she only had to carry 54.5kg helped.

“She’s just a determined horse and seems to be getting better with age.”

Nyhan didn’t get to run Pyxis as much as he had hoped in the weeks leading up to the Pioneer.

However, a last-start second behind the red-hot Jackanory in open company over 1100m on April 28 was a clear indication that the former Victorian galloper was primed.

As always in a Pioneer Sprint, it’s a mad dash to grab the early ascendancy.

Pyxis was in front by the 900m and never looked like relinquishing the lead, especially when she found another gear turning for home.

The in-form Jackanory (Jason Lyon), the $2.60 favourite from the Dick Leech yard, was trapped four wide at one stage, so to finish second was admirable.

Canon Diablo (Sairyn Fawke) finished ninth behind Jackanory on April 28, but he boasts an impeccable resume and clicked yesterday.

The $71 outsider from the Phil Cole stable came from absolutely nowhere to claim an eye-catching third.

When discussing the plans for Pyxis a few weeks ago, Nyhan indicated that the Lightning Handicap (1000m) on Cup Day was a target.

“She may have won the Queen of the Desert on Cup Day last year, but I’ve never considered her to be a 1200m horse,” he said.

“Most of her success has occurred over 1000m or 1100m.”

Winning rider Wayne Kerford had no doubt Pyxis would get 1200m.

“She has been finishing off her 1100m really well and with no weight she is just about unbeata- ble,” he said. “The plan today was to sit behind the leaders, but she had rhythm and seeing as though I was on the fence I was happy to stay out in front.

“She kicked in the home straight and held on — she produced a 110 per cent effort.

“Mark certainly knew what he was doing preparing the horse for the race.”