Patrick Erin wins Aust feature for Chch owner
Outstanding Kiwi galloper Patrick Erin sat atop the Sydney staying ranks on Saturday afternoon after he produced a devastating sprint to capture the Gr.1 The Metropolitan (2400m) at Royal Randwick.
It was the type of performance that his former mentor, legendary trainer Brian Anderton, knew he was capable of from the day he galloped him for the first time at his Wingatui base.
Bred and raised at Anderton’s White Robe Lodge, the sevenyear-old son of resident stallion Gallant Guru caught Anderton’s eye early in the piece.
‘‘He was a lovely young horse and I thought from day one that he had the makings of a really top stayer,’’ Anderton said.
‘‘He was an immature type, so time was going to be his friend but the raw talent was there.’’
Given plenty of time to strengthen and develop by breeder and co-owner Patrick Smith, whom the horse is named after, Patrick Erin commenced his career in April 2016 and tasted success for the first time when successful over 1200m on his home track in June that year.
He quickly raced through the grades, winning ten of his 21 starts before Anderton took the hard decision to recommend to his connections that the horse would be better placed racing in Australia. ‘‘It was a tough thing to do, but in the best interests of the horse he had to go to Australia,’’ Anderton said.
‘‘You don’t like to lose a horse like him from your stable but he was going to get crucified here by the handicapping system.
‘‘I thought he could win a really good race in Australia, so we sat down with Patrick, his wife Jan and the other owners and recommended that they look at getting him into a good stable over there.’’
Tragedy struck when Patrick Smith passed away four months ago without seeing his charge win at the highest level, a fact that made Saturday’s victory an emotion filled moment for Anderton. ‘‘I’m just delighted for Jan and the family that he did what he did on Saturday,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s been a tough time for them with Patrick’s passing so to get that win was very special. Jan was there to see it all unfold, so I’m sure when she gets back we will have a good celebration to look forward to.’’