Raider bolts home
R OC K HAMPTON r a i d e r Chivadahlii has produced an explosive finish over the final stages to take out the prestigious Mater Townsville Cup ( 2000m) at Cluden Park.
Chivadahlii ($ 4 favourite) was caught up in an epic struggle with fellow Rockhampton galloper Legal Procedure ($ 7) as they raced towards the post, with the favourite holding on to win by a half neck for trainer Jamie McConachy.
Brisbane horse Flying Light ($ 8.50) came home another two- and- a- half lengths back in third.
Flying Light had shot out of the gates to lead the field as they went past the post for the first time before Legal Procedure pushed forward to take up the running at the 1200m.
Jockey Bobby El- Issa was happy to let Chivadahlii settle midfield on the fence before he split the two leaders and bolted home to claim the Townsville Winter Carnival feature race.
McConachy had described Chivadahlii’s preparation as “spot on” after the barrier draw, but he said it was a perfect ride from El- Issa which sealed their Cup triumph.
“Everything went to plan with the horse’s lead- up races,” McConachy said.
“These races only come around once in lifetime for me and lot of the owners so you’ve got to have the right people on board.
“The horse carried 59kg last start and then went down to 54.5kg. There’s not many jockeys around that can ride at 54.5kg.
“It was a great ride. The horse was a little bit excited in the boxes, but he ( El- Issa) got him out well. He never spent a penny on him. When they went past the post for the first time, I had full confidence in him and the horse.”
It was McConachy’s first Townsville Cup runner and the connections of Chivadahlii couldn’t contain their excitement as the horse and rider returned to the mounting yard. “It’s tremendous. All the hard work that people have put in and all their money ( to prepare the horse), they were all very excited,” McConachy said.
“I’ve known a few of these blokes since I was in school so it was good for everyone.”
McConachy is targeting the Cairns Cup on August 12 for Chivadahlii’s next start, but he said they would wait and see how the horse pulled up after his Townsville win.
“We’ll just see how he pulls up in the next 72 hours. If he’s right then he’ll go up to Cairns,” McConachy said.
Meanwhile, Heartbreak Harry completed a clean sweep of the Townsville feature races by Rockhampton horses with his victory in the Cleveland Bay Handicap ( 1300m). The Tom Buttontrained Heartbreak Harry ($ 12) held off a late challenge from Drumbeat’s Choice ($ 5.50) to score by a short half head, with Le Cap ($ 26) three lengths back in third.
McConachy also trained Fillies & Mares Bracelet winner Starante, while Cheeky Red took out the Guineas for Ricky Vale last Thursday, Paradis Imperial won the Two- Year- Old Classic for Tony McMahon, and Isa Tala won the Lightning for Darryl Johnston.