Glory for Thurlow in Avondale Cup

Waverley visitor Glory Days made her first visit to Ellerslie a memorable one when she fought tooth and nail to win the group two Coca-Cola Avondale Cup (2400m) at Ellerslie.

The Red Giant mare proved a revelation during the spring/early summer when she won four races on end, culminating with the Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m).

Put aside for a short break after finishing unplaced in the group three Manawatu Cup (2200m), Glory Days resumed with a fast-finishing effort for second in the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) before trekking north for her first look at the Ellerslie track in yesterday’s feature event.

Despite the unfamiliar surroundings, Glory Days handled her first experience of racing right-handed with aplomb as she produced a sustained finishing run to secure the upper-hand from outsider Blue Breeze after the pair waged war over the final 300m.

Trainer Bill Thurlow was feeling quite emotional as he accepted congratulations after the race.

“This is my biggest moment by far,” he said. “It means a hell of a lot, as we only have a little, wee team. She’s a horse we have always loved and had a lot of time for, but to come and do this is bit of a dream really.

“She’s so tough and it was a great effort, as going the other way [righthanded] really did worry me.

“In saying that, she handled it so well as she came around the corner good and I’m rapt for her.”

Thurlow has his sights set firmly on next month’s group one Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) with his charge.

“I think she will spend the next three weeks at home,” he said. “We had thought about the Nathans [Nathans Memorial, Ellerslie March 2] but it is highly unlikely on that run.

“She has 53.5kg in the Auckland Cup, which is quite a luxury weight, so we will just keep her ticking over and come back in three weeks.”

“We don’t know how she will handle 3200m, but she doesn’t pull, she just lobs along, and when you ask her to go, she just goes.”