3 minute read
Heart in mouth moment as promising stayer gets there in Australia Day Cup.
Naval College has been one of the revelations of Sydney racing over the summer and a narrow victory in the public holiday feature race at Warwick Farm saw the former UK import string four wins together.
After breaking a longstanding course record over 2000-metres at Rosehill last start in the Listed January Cup, Naval College was sent out the $1.35 favourite in the Listed Australia Day Cup (2400m).
Torrens ($11) – ridden by Jenny Duggan – set the early pace and it was left to the five-year-old Naval College to reel them in.
With Torrens kicking back on the rail together with a fast-finishing Kirkeby ($26) joining in late, Naval College dug deeply enough to win by a long-head margin with Kirkeby a further nose away in third.
"I don't want that again," jockey James Mcdonald said.
"He gives his all, that is for sure.
"The complexion of the race just changed at the 1000 (metre mark) and it (having to chase) wasn't a great position to be in especially with the big weight (58.5 kilos).
"He did such a good job to soldier it out like he did but I was in two minds – I didn't know what to do actually – to chase it or come back.
"Jenny rode a good race and just got beaten but full credit to my horse."
This is Naval College's second preparation in Australia having made his racing debut in Sydney in April.