Faster Stronger sums up winner

FAMILY connections were at a peak for trainer Chris Nash after the running of the feature race, the Arafura Service Handicap (1200m) at Fannie Bay yesterday.

Nash’s own horse, Faster Stronger, won the race while Powlett, with girlfriend Alana Brown in the saddle for the first time since August, was second. He trains Powlett for Flemington-based trainer Stephen Brown, who is Alana’s father.

Only apprentice jockey Rian Mageean interrupted the family quinella but his ride on the eight- year- old gelding was so strong that he deserves special praise.

‘‘It wasn’t the easiest run for that horse, especially with barrier two. It’s not the ideal gate for him,’’ Mageean said after pipping stablemate Powlett by half a length.

‘‘He likes to get back a bit but I was very happy with the way things went in the race.

‘‘ He finished off really strong. I was a bit worried there at the end. I did not think I would get to the line as quickly as I did but he’s very honest and he definitely puts his best foot forward.’’

Nash agreed with Mageean that Faster Stronger certainly lived up to his name.

‘‘I was hoping if I did not win that Alana would win for her first ride back for such a long time but I will take the win,’’ said Nash, who is still unsure what the plans for Faster Stronger are.

‘‘He’s not the sort of horse that you can set for a decent race. You have to take each race as it comes.’’

The Kerry Petrick-trained Ornithologist, having her first start after winning three straight over the Darwin Cup carnival, finished sixth.