Dubbo’s Connie Greig was unlucky not to score a win at Saturday’s Macquarie Picnic races as her mare Purest was pipped at the post in the Landmark Warren Rabbit Trap Hotel and Louis Dreyfus Open Trophy Handicap (800 metres).
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The Mark Ward-trained Gadfly (Ashley Boyd, $2.30 favourite) trailed coming into the home straight but flew down towards the line, edging out Purest (Michael Wade, $4) by just two-tenths of a length in what was well and truly a two-horse race.
A photo finish was needed to confirm the winner.
“I was a little bit nervous halfway up the straight,” Ward admitted. “But he got there.”
Collen Thurston’s Coop ‘N’ Demp (Michael Gray, $10) rounded out the minor placings, but at almost three lengths behind the Enemy Of Average x Raid And Pillage mare was no real threat to the two leaders.
Gadfly’s victory came in his first start for Ward, since he joined Mr Swift and Zartini in the Condobolin trainer’s select stable earlier this month.
The Smart Missile x Distinctive gelding was previously with Paul Perry at Newcastle.
“It’s nearly six weeks since he last run and it’s the first time for me, in my stable, I got him from a mate of mine in Newcastle,” Ward said.
“We thought he would go better with the weaker opposition and it’s proved right – just!”
The win was Gadfly fifth career victory from 37 starts, bringing his total prizemoney (including bonuses) to $144,360.
His next run could be at the Bedgerabong Picnic Races in February, and with his five career wins coming in the 1250m distance and under, it’s clear the picnic circuit better suits his speed.
“We’ll just keep him on the picnic circuit, I think,” said Ward, who didn’t rule out a Picnic Championship tilt.
“You never know!” he said.
