Vercoe Gets First City Win On Cup Day

Tuesday, 06 November 2012 02:06

KoonoomooRookie trainer Simon Vercoe scored his first city win with Koonoomoo in the Group 3 Herald Sun Stakes at Flemington this afternoon.

Ridden a well judged race by Hugh Bowman, Koonoomoo ($21-$31-$26) came from last at the 800 metre mark to win easily by a length and a half from Cabernet ($11-$13) with Mid Summer Music ($5.00-$8.50) a neck away third.

After leading around the turn, favourite Sheila's Star ($5.50) faded to finish tenth while Damien Oliver's mount Rose Of Peace broke down in the straight.

Bowman overcame the widest  barrier by dropping Koonoomoo out to last which allowed her to finish off the race in a slick 1:21.01 seconds, close to the track record of 1:20.6 held by Lovey.

"It was a privilege to ride her and obviously it was an awkward barrier but she was aided by a good pace", Bowman said.

Koonoomoo"I had plenty of horse under me so I was able to use my options and I got a dream run through and it's a great feeling".

"He rode her for luck and the luck came so it's a great day to break the city duck", Vercoe said.

"She is happier ridden quietly. Last start she was ridden a bit too close to the speed and today ridden quietly she hit the line superb."

"I've had a few seconds and thirds that have been close with some bad luck stories and I just thought this horse was going well enough and the result is there now."

Even though he had only trained one other winner, Vercoe went into today's race with some confidence as indicated by the backing from $31 to $26 with the bookmakers.

"I couldn't have been happier with her leading into today."

Koonoomoo"I thought it was a very even race and she was great odds for her form and (that might be) because I'm a country trainer", Vercoe said.

"In a big stable she'd be much shorter."

Vercoe took over the training of Koonoomoo earlier this year from Peter Fell, who trained the mare for her first four wins.

Thanking his owners for their patience he said:

"These are really loyal owners and it's great for them."

"They've been supportive for years and her original trainer now lives in Malaysia and he still part-owns her so he'll be rapt."

Photos: Quentin Lang, Fiona Tomlin