Maryore Takes Out Provincial Championships For Canberra
By Julieanne Horsman
Maryore has pulled off an upset in the Provincial Championships, flying home down the outside to claim victory from a fast finishing Better Not Blue and Ziganui.
She was at the back of the field for most of the race and the widest horse on the turn, but with Tim Clark at the reigns, she made her move with 300m to go and no-one could catch her.
“She’s just got to be ridden quiet, saved up for one run at them,” winning jockey Tim Clark said. “She was a long way off them down the side, but they really started to pack up before the turn, I was able to get on Olly’s [Damien Oliver) back and he dragged me right into it.”
“If anything she quickened too well, she got there a bit soon and wanted to have a bit of a look around.”
Above: Maryore kicks away to win the 2017 Provincial Championships Final. Pic: Steve White.
Trainer Philip Courtney has only has his license for five years and was ecstatic with the result.
“I thought it was a terrific win, I was jumping up and down too much to enjoy it but as soon as she got to the front I knew it was over,” he said.
“She has had what I feel is pretty close to the ideal preparation. She had a strong win at Goulburn and took benefit from that run.
“Training was mostly a hobby until 12 months ago but I do it full time now and have eight in work at my Canberra stable. This is a shot in the arm for us I can guarantee you.”
It’s the first year Canberra has been including in the Provincial Championships, having previously been part of the Country Championships.
Michelle Ritchie’s Better Blue put in an eye catching run for second. He was dead last at the turn but Josh Parr took him into the clear and he took off.
“It was a terrific effort from the horse,” he said. “It was brave to finish second.”
Short-priced favoiurite, Pomelo, crossed the line in 4th place after leading into the straight.
“She was probably a bit quiet today compared to what she is normally,” jockey Chad Lever said. “She travelled strong enough through the run, like she normally does, but didn’t have that finish today. May have come to the end of it.”