SWAN HILL-based trainer, Nathan Hobson made Alexandra Park his own on Tuesday, continuing his positive record at Kerang Turf Club’s headquarters.
Hobson’s four-year-old gelding, Reward With Return claimed the main race of the Boxing Day meet – the Autopro Kerang Summer Sprint BM70 Handicap – making it three titles for the trainer in the past four years.
Going into the race as favourite, jockey Chelsea MacFarlane helped the offspring of Reward For Effort and Elle’s Decree hold off Theodolite Anthony Chibnall-trained four-year-old gelding, Theodolite to claim the race by 0.2 lengths.
Murrabit resident, Ashley Hobson – who owns a share of the horse – said that Reward With Return will be one to watch.
“It’s still maturing so it will be a better horse soon,” he said.
“I thought that there would be a good chance, and it got in last minute. We’re pretty happy … this is the fifth win out of 20.”
Kerang-based trainer Peter William’s six-year-old gelding, Wild Irish Boy was 3.7 lengths back in third place, backing up his runner-up status 12 months ago.
Nathan Hobson and MacFarlane also teamed up to win the 1100-metre Scott McNeil Electrical BM58 Handicap with five-year-old mare, Effortless Miss.
Meanwhile, Jarrod Robinson claimed a local win in the Walkers IGA Kerang Maiden Plate, with four-year-old gelding, King Joey holding on from Leon and Troy Corstens’ Flemington-based three-year-old filly, Satin Sheen.
The event’s master of ceremonies and former Kerang Turf Club president, Greg McNeil said it was a credit to the Kerang track to have competitors from Flemington at the meet.
“It speaks volumes of our track to have Melbourne trainers sending horses up here,” he said.
Jordan Turner – who rode six-year-old gelding, Kinjulator to victory in the 1800-metre Rodwells BM58 Handicap and united with the Corstens to claim the 1100-metre NPD Natural Gypsum Maiden Plate with four-year-old mare, Lunulae – won the jockeys’ bonus for the day.
Bendigo-based trainer, Bob Donat – who claimed the 1400-metre Kerang Sports and Entertainment Venue BM64 Handicap with seven-year-old mare, Catechesis – received the trainers’ bonus for the meet.
