RNSW_Oct 21_Col_W

www.racingnsw.com.au OPPOSITE TOP: More Prophets (James McDonald) takes out the Wyong Leagues Group Mona Lisa 27 W hile the traditional Carlton Wyong Gold Cup Day atmosphere may have been lacking, the racing certainly didn’t disappoint with a super day on the track. Highlights included John O’Shea claiming his first Wyong Cup, four winners to James McDonald including the Mona Lisa and Wyong’s leading ladies Kristen Buchanan and Kim Waugh, both training winners – Buchanan a double. Flashy grey Berdibek, a French import, put in a supreme staying performance to take out the Cup by almost two lengths with Hugh Bowman in the saddle. The eight-year-old Dark Angel gelding came into the race in career best form, claiming Hawkesbury’s Listed Rowley Mile at his previous start on August 19. O’Shea said he knew the horse was in great from but was mindful that he would need luck with his racing pattern. “Hugh put him to sleep down the side and when he relaxes, he’s got a wonderful ton of speed. It was probably one of his best efforts today. “Full credit to the horse and it’s a great result for his ownership team Jason Abrahams and the others.” O’Shea paid tribute to injured jockey Brenton Avdulla, a regular rider of Berdibek, who is recovering from a fall: “I’d like to see him back on the horse again.” Bowman said it was a nostalgic win for him, having claimed his first black type race on Pecan Pie in the 2000 Wyong Cup. “It was great to win for John O’Shea and the team. The horse had great credentials coming into this race,” he said. The unstoppable James McDonald brought up winner number four on John Thompson’s More Prophets in the Wyong Leagues Group Mona Lisa. It was another perfect McDonald ride that secured victory for More Prophets, the mare claiming her first black type race. McDonald bucked the trend of the day by coming from the rear, making significant ground around the turn, and running down the leaders to win by a long neck. He was full of praise for More Prophets. “I love how she chimed in and hit the line well,” he said. Kristen Buchanan carried the flag for the locals with Fumiko and Eyewitness both greeting the judge, while Kim Waugh was also in the winner’s circle with Different Strokes. New dad Jason Collett bagged a double, rounding off a fantastic day on the track. Regan Bayliss won the prestigious Nathan Berry Shield, his two winners and a number of placings over the two-day Cup Carnival, giving him an edge over his rivals. “I didn’t know Nathan personally, but you just have to have a conversation to see what he meant to people in the industry,” Bayliss said. “I’m very proud to have won the award.” Wyong General Manager, Robin Taylor said he was very proud of the team’s efforts, who worked tirelessly to present the track in the best possible condition for both on-course participants and broadcast viewers. “We had the best Cup weather in twenty years but had no Members or patrons here trackside to enjoy it,” he said. “Sky Racing worked with us to provide the best possible coverage of our meeting, adding Lizzie Jelfs to the ever-popular raceday hosts of Gary Harley and Gavin Carmody and adapting some of their default camera angles to complement the on-course set-up. “It was very rewarding to all of the staff and participants to have been a part of such a successful meeting. “I would also like to acknowledge our major race sponsors Carlton and United Breweries and Wyong Leagues Club and our Club Members for their continuing support,” Mr Taylor added. WYONG