3 minute read

Consistent perform Independent Road has added a Moonee Valley win to a successful summer campaign.

Keeping a horse happy is one of the secrets to success that Lindsay Park trainers Ben, Will and J D Hayes have found since taking over the reins from their father David. 

One of the main beneficiaries of the Lindsay Park property at Euroa in country Victoria has been multiple Group 1 winner Mr Brightside while seven-year-old gelding Independent Road has also benefitted his connections with consistent form. 

Independent Road landed his third win from his five starts this campaign when taking out the Travis Harrison Cup (2040m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday. 

Denying Craig Williams a win in the race named after his late cousin, Independent Road ($4.20) held off the Williams-ridden Flash Feeling ($4.20) by a short-half-head with Mystery Island ($7) a further three-quarters-of-a-length away third. 

Independent Road started his campaign with wins at Geelong and Ballarat late last year before running second over 2040m at The Valley on December 30. 

He was back in trip for a tilt at Geelong over 1700m on January 6 before having three weeks between runs leading into Saturday's contest. 

"We're lucky to have very good freshening facilities at the farm," Will Hayes said. 

"We have the water walker and the day paddocks which he just loves getting out into in between doing his normal routine. 

"We really think that helps to rejuvenate them both physically and mentally and he's the perfect example of that. 

"He has a normal routine, four or five days a week under saddle, and the other days he spends his time in the paddock eating grass and he's a happy horse." 

Hayes praised Jye Mcneil, saying the rider took the race by the scruff of the neck. 

"He's a hard horse to get past, especially when he's racing that well with those sorts of weights," Hayes said. 

"He's in such good form, so as long as he continues to step up, he's always going to be thereabouts in his races." 

Independent Road manages to hold off Flash Feeling in a thriller! @lindsayparkrace @JyeMcNeil pic.twitter.com/Lxags6zerQ

— 7HorseRacing (@7horseracing) January 27, 2024