3 minute read
Trainer and jockey quotes after the Ladbroke It! Handicap at Sandown Hillside on Saturday won by Grand Promenade.
Race Result:
1st: Grand Promenade (John Allen/Ciaron Maher & Dave Eustace) - $2F
2nd: Green Ivy (Teo Nugent/Ken & Kasey Keys) - $18
3rd: Johandough (Dean Yendall/Tom Carberry) - $7.50
Winning Time: 2:33.28 Last 600m: N/A
Margins: 2¾L x Short Neck
Winning Trainer: Ciaron Maher & Dave Eustace (Dave speaking)
Leading: "We thought it would set up that way and there wasn't a lot of speed there. I know Johnny (Allen) got it spot on in front and the horse has won well."
412 days since last win: "I think people were a bit unfair on him at his last two starts. He's a genuine mile-and-a-half horse and did very well to finish where he did over 2000 metres. I think things didn't really go to plan in the spring. He ran well early in the prep but probably didn't come up quite as well so he'll improve again over a bit more ground and he'll probably head to the Ramsden.
"He's the right age group and he'll stay the trip no trouble at all. He'll improve for going a bit further. We've got a few chances in the race and he's one of them.
"It's great to have Gerry Ryan here and Geoff McLaren to enjoy the win. Gerry doesn't get to the races a whole lot so it's good to have him here."
Winning Jockey: John Allen
"We began fairly and Johandough probably began a bit better than us on the outside. He didn't cross me quick he just ended up floating around up on the outside so the horse (had to) roll up to the top.
"We know he's a good stayer and he put the writing on the wall in the first two runs this prep and he backed that up today. Good to see him get the win.
"He didn't go a whole lot wrong last prep. He was still learning. He's still a work-in-progress and getting better so hopefully he can end up in a better race some day.
"He's very clear-winded. He has no worries running that trip or even further. I'm sure some of those batter staying races, he might be in the mix further into his career."
Gerry Ryan's colours: "Gerry has been good to me. He's always been a good supporter of mine and it's good to get another win for him."