3 minute read
Trainer and jockey quotes after Sword Of Mercy wins the G.H. Mumm Benchmark 78 Christmas Plate at Flemington on Saturday.
Race Result:
1st: Sword Of Mercy (M Ellerton & S Zahra/D Lane) - $4.20
2nd: China Affair (J Warren & D Krongold/D Oliver) - $17
3rd: Fine Dane (J Maloney/Campbell Rawiller) - $8
Winning Time: 57.55 Last 600m: 33.14
Margins: 1¾L x Short ½ Head
Winning Trainer: Mat Ellerton & Simon Zahra (Mat speaking)
"She's got a way to go to be in her mum's league, but I don't think she's well exposed yet. She's had her problems along the way and I think she's probably better than 78 grade.
"She's just had a few little wind issues and growing pains. She's always been a bit light on but she's a big strong four-year-old mare now. Hopefully the future is bright for her."
What's ahead: "She's at the stage where she can work through her grades, so she's probably better than 78 grade and hopefully we can get there with her."
On D Lane successes: "He's probably picked an inopportune time to go on holidays but everyone needs a break to go and see their families. Good luck to him."
Winning Jockey: Damian Lane
"She's been a mare that has probably taken a while to get where she is. She's always shown really good ability and she's going really well. Good to see her putting the pieces together and win a race like this and I really think she can go further as well.
Break coming up: "I'll ride through to Boxing Day and get back to the family in the west. I haven't been back there for over a year now so I'm really looking forward to that."