Cup glory for top mare

WAVERLEY visitor Glory Days made her first visit to Ellerslie a memorable one when she fought tooth and nail to win the Avondale Cup (2400m) yesterday.

The Red Giant mare proved a revelation during the springearly summer where she won four races on end, culminating with the Wanganui Cup (2040m).

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

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 immediately 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 [right-handed] really did worry me.’’

Thurlow has his sights set firmly on next month’s

Auckland Cup (3200m) with his charge. ‘‘She has 53.50kg in the Auckland Cup, which is quite a luxury weight, so we will just keep her ticking over and come back in three weeks’ time.’’