3 minute read
Garry White has been in racing well and truly long enough to recognise a good horse.
And the experienced Hawkesbury horseman is convinced rookie colt Winds Of War fits the bill.
Having only his third start at Hawkesbury today – and his first as a three-year-old – Winds Of War ($3.20 favorite) comfortably took the Happy 60th Rob Jackson 3YO Maiden Handicap (1000m), downing other fancied runners Head On Up ($4.80) and Princess Betty ($3.40).
Last season's Hawkesbury premiership winning jockey Rachel King partnered the colt, who boasts a pedigree to match his looks, and had been placed at home and at Gosford at his first two starts.
A son of 2015 Silver Slipper Stakes winner Headstrong, his granddam Winds Of Peace is a sister to 1988 Golden Slipper Stakes winner Star Watch.
His dam, the Danewin mare Mediator, has also produced the smart Hawkesbury sprinter Red Notice.
White could have started Winds Of War at Canterbury yesterday, but took the better option to stay at home.
"He wasn't comfortable last time on the tighter Gosford circuit, and I didn't feel Canterbury would suit him either at this early stage of his career," he explained this evening.
White prepares Winds Of War for his long-standing client, Grahame Mapp's Hobartville Stud, and intends to give the colt every chance to make the grade.
"He is going to the paddock for a short break," White said.
"I've got no doubt he is the makings of a good horse.
"The best horses are the easiest ones to train, and this bloke eats and sleeps.
"He is a big foal, and still learning what racing is all about.
"His first two runs were in fast times, his closing sectionals were the best and he wasn't comfortable on the tighter Gosford circuit last time.
"Whilst I've kept him to 1000m so far, I'm sure he will really come into his own when he gets to 1400m."
Though White kicked off the new season with a home track success, he was lamenting a double that got away from him.
Stablemate Military Academy ($4), also with King aboard, was luckless at a vital stage before a strong closing second to $3.10 favorite Rabbit Clause in the Adz Tyre & Battery Benchmark 64 Handicap (1300m).
RacingNSW stewards reported that Military Academy had to be steadied and lost its rightful running near the 600m when apprentice Qin Yong shifted in on Jin Chi Phantom when not sufficiently clear.
Qin Yong was subsequently suspended on a careless riding charge.
"By the time Military Academy was able to get going under 61kg, the winner had established a big enough break," White said.
"My horse was unlucky, but that's racing."
Something else White has been around long enough to also know plenty about!