Fully Funded a ‘serious horse’.

IT was a small field but a big battle evolved in the open class sprint at Ruakaka yesterday under sunny skies on a perfect track..

Just six runners faced the starter but there was plenty of quality headed by firm favourite Lewis Caroll winner of five from eight starts, course specialist Amarula winner of four on the track, and Fully Funded a horse going places.

Lewis Caroll had a big pull in the weights from his two main adversaries and young apprentice jockey Sam Weatherley shot the favourite to the front from barrier rise in a move guaranteed to make use of the advantage.

Turning for home the pair looked in control but the challenges emerged and an exciting battle developed.

Lewis Caroll looked all out, but under his rider’s urgings he responded and momentarily resumed control.

Amarula was lodging his claim wider on the track with Fully Funded poking up one off the rail.

In the drive to the line Sam Spratt got Fully Funded home by a short head from Shaun McKay and Amarula with the same margin to Lewis Caroll with just a half-length to Silverdale in fourth.

Fully Funded is trained by Joanne Surgenor at Ardmore for high profile owners Sir Patrick Hogan, Peter Walker and Alistair Sutherland and the team has big plans for the 5-year-old son of Fully Fledged.

‘‘Wait until next serious horse.’’

Maybe serious enough to tackle the Railway Stakes on New Year’s Day at Ellerslie where he has performed well in the past.

‘‘He will go for a break now,’’ Surgenor said. ‘‘He’ll have a freshen up and come back for the spring. I think he’s a Railway horse. He fought hard today and it was a gallant win.’’ year,’’ Walker said. ‘‘He’s a