The only thing that could have made Kylie Kennedy's first Narromine Gold Cup win more special is a crowd at her home track to celebrate it with.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Kennedy was thrilled on Sunday when her stable star Wild Rocket produced a classic backmarker's performance to take out the $39,000 feature at Narromine Turf Club.
Kennedy, who trains at the track, has rarely contested the 1600m feature in the past as she's more often had sprinters.
But in Wild Rocket she's got a supreme bush galloper and Sunday's victory added to a career which already features a fourth-placed finish in this year's $500,000 Country Championships Final at Randwick earlier this year.
And, Kennedy is confident the there's more to come.
"She's matured and I still don't think you're going to see the best of her until next year when she goes out (to spell) and comes back. She'll thicken up," Kennedy told Sky Thoroughbred Central on Saturday.
"She's awesome."
Sunday's cup win was also part of a sensational day for jockey Mathew Cahill at Narromine.
READ ALSO:
After he missed out in the day's first four races, the cup was part of a sensational five straight victories for the leading country hoop.
Kennedy added was a shame they couldn't go out and celebrate as the lockdown around regional NSW means only trainers, jockeys and essential raceday personnel are allowed at meetings currently.
But the excitement was clear to hear in Kennedy's voice as she spoke immediately after the win.
Many viewed Wild Rocket's last start seventh in the Forbes Cup as a disappointing result but Kennedy didn't feel that way, as the race simply wasn't run to suit.
Jockey Mathew Cahill got further forward than he would have liked at Forbes and wasn't able to utilise Wild Rocket's impressive turn-of-foot.
Things were vastly different on Sunday, as Cahill sat last early on after jumping from the widest gate in the field of 11.
Noted frontrunner Mackellar's Love ($11) jumped well again and set the pace while $2.60 favourite and recent Forbes Cup winner From The Bush also sat towards the front.
From The Bush loomed as the field approached the 600m mark but Cahill had also started to make his move around the outside.
It was clear Wild Rocket was every chance as she entered the straight with nothing but clear air in front of air and from there Cahill gave the order to go.
She took the lead from From The Bush and went on to win in style by more than a length from the favourite while $91 outsider Caszar was third.
"She didn't run out of fuel today. She's awesome," Kennedy said, before giving praise to partner Ricky Blewitt and Cahill for their work with the often moody mare.
"Ricky does and awesome job. Matty just clicks with her and I'm just so excited for the owners.
"This is great."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News