Sikandarabad’s new home brings rewards
SAM Kavanagh landed arguably the most important win of his career so far when import Sikandarabad swept to victory in Thursday’s Coffs Harbour Cup (1600m).
Kavanagh only recently returned to the training ranks having completed a four and a half year suspension imposed by Racing NSW stewards after several of his horses tested positive to banned substances.
“We needed that,’’ an emotional Kavanagh said.
“The owners have all got behind us and we’ve got some amazing support. It’s all starting to grow quickly and we are just very thankful for the opportunities that we have,’’
Formerly trained by Hayes and Dabernig, Sikandarabad finished fifth behind Noble Boy in the Winter Stakes last month while having his first run for Kavanagh.
The son of Dr Fong loomed up on the corner before letting rip over the last 200m to take out the Coffs feature by 2½ ahead of Gold Coast horse The Kingdom with race favourite Academy close up in third.
Kavanagh, the son of Melbourne Cup winning trainer Mark, has brought Sikandarabad back to life after a long absence from the winner’s stall.
“I bought him online for $100,000 and everyone said I was crazy because he was seven but we needed a horse who could take us to town and win Saturday races,’’ Kavanagh said.
“He had run some great races and I love playing around with the Europeans. He had been in such good form.
“I said to the owners earlier in the week, I am not one to have my last on a horse that’s had four wins from 32 starts and hasn’t won for 18 months but I couldn’t have him any better.
“He’s just been flying.’’