Terror storms to Auckland Cup win

WATCHING Terror To Love’s comeback win in last night’s $500,000 Auckland Cup gave Canterbury co-trainer Graham Court one of his most satisfying moments – just five days after a nightmare result in Sydney.

The showy six-year-old put his stallion career right back on track when he turned on one of the most dazzling home stretch bursts seen at Alexandra Park.

Driver Ricky May urged the horse home to the roar of the crowd, timing his run to perfection and collaring second favourite Adore Me in the shadows of the post.

“Ricky’s good at that,” enthused Court’s son and training partner Paul, as the announcer called his winning time of 3:15.8 as a new track record for the mobile 2700m.

Owner Terry McDonald, there with his wheelchair-bound daughter Janine McCann, after conquering his fear of flying, said he was proud of his horse and relieved he had put the demons of Sydney behind him so soon.

Last night Terror To Love looked nothing like the horse who battled into ninth in the Interdominion Final, the Menangle track claiming him for a seventh time.

“He’s a different horse here,” May said. “He felt fantastic in his preliminary and had a lot more life in him.

“He really gives his best, he always tries, that’s what makes him so good.”

May said he decided to drive Terror To Love differently last night, staying at the back of the field from his bad draw and tagging on to the three-wide train when it moved at the bell.

“They were going along in front so I was happy to wait. But I probably sat a bit longer than I should have.”

It was well past the point of the home turn when May unleashed the horse, Pembrook Benny failing to carry him right into the action.

But the horse did the rest, his late charge reminiscent of the powerhouse finishes which have won him three successive New Zealand Cups.

“It’s very satisfying to get him back,” Graham Court said. “He had a pretty hard run over there but I know what he is capable of doing and he showed that tonight.”

Court said he would give the son of Western Terror a few easy days and was likely to then set him for the Easter Cup at Addington.

Saveapatrol fought on well for third with Pembrook Benny fourth.