Relegation robs Logan
Suspended jockey Richard Cully will be back seeking redemption when the $125,000 Great Northern Hurdle is contested in a fortnight.
Cully punched 20 to one shot Ngatira Gold home first in Saturday’s Northern dress rehearsal at Ellerslie only to lose the race in the inquiry room.
The relegation was a cruel blow for popular young trainer Samantha Logan who was ready to celebrate her biggest training success.
As it turned out she was forced to celebrate the win with partner Craig Thornton who claimed the race when his horse was promoted.
Stewards alleged Cully riding Ngatira Gold shifted outwards under pressure after jumping the second last fence hampering Nancho Lass and Just Got Home.
The combination again shifted ground outwards after jumping the final fence again crowding both opponents.
The judiciary upheld both protests with Ngatira Gold relegated to third, Nancho Lass promoted to first and Just Got Home to second.
Cully admitted a charge of careless riding and copped a three meeting suspension meaning he is back for Northern day.
The race took a dramatic turn earlier when favourite Raisafuasho hit the second fence and crashed injuring jockey Emily Farr.
Farr was taken unconscious to hospital where she was cleared of serious injury and allowed to return home to Cambridge on Saturday night.
Raisafuasho was examined and appeared to take no harm from the fall encouraging hopes he will be back for the Northern.
Both Thornton and Just Got Home’s trainer Rudy Liefting want continuing good weather to proceed to the Northern Hurdle.
‘‘’’She’s a good ground jumper and provided we get ground she’ll be in the Northern,’’ Thornton said.
Liefting had been reluctant to ask Just Got Home to attempt the 4190m of the Northern again but he may relent.
‘‘If we get another reasonable track I’d have to consider running him,’’ he said.
Ngatira Gold was bucking and kicking around his paddock on Sunday and will be out to make amends for Logan and Cully in the Northern.
‘‘The extra distance and even a bit of rain wouldn’t worry him and we will be back,’’ Logan said.
‘‘I’ve got to have a chat with Richard [Cully] just to confirm his booking for the ride.’’