We were really pleased to get the fourth career win for Danaba today at Echuca.
It may be a funny thing to think, but we do believe even as a 6YO that the best is still to come for him.
He is still somewhat lightly raced, with today being his 24th career start.
Danbana has always been a strong worker at home and does possess ability to win nicer races.
He has taken time to learn to settle in his races and really mature as a horse, but now the team are starting to reap some of the benefits from that.
He was strong today, relished chasing horses and having something to run over the top of. We believe he will continue to improve too as he steps up in distance. A mile next start looks like it will be suitable so we hope he can be winning again.
A much loved horse by us all, he featured recently in this video showcasing how Nigel likes to be hands on.
Lunch In Biarritz also raced well today at Echuca, running a promising third at 30-1. He looks like he could be another winner soon for Ross Wikinson.
Both Danbana and Lunch In Biarritz were ridden by Neil Farley. He is a jockey we have had success using in the last few weeks especially.
He is a strong rider that can also be patient, is well balanced and really helps educate our horses nicely.
It was also great to get a debut win with Laffalong at our home track of Ballarat last week, also ridden by Neil Farley.
Laffalong had had an injury earlier in her life in New Zealand, and came to us a few months ago before her fourth birthday.
Her ability was clear from her early work. Brendan & Jo Lindsay, who of course own Cambridge Stud, purchased Laffalong at the Inglis Easter Yearling sale for $260,000.
She clearly still has the good looks that made her a sought after yearling prospect.
While the market ignored her somewhat as she set off a $57 starter, we entered the race with confidence and thought she’d run well.
It is a privilege to train for Brendon and Jo and get the most out of these horses in their colours. We are thankful to both them and Henry Plumptre, the operations CEO, for their support and love sharing the success with them.
Hopefully there is plenty more success to come with Laffalong. They also have Under My Spell with us, a talented mare who performed well in her 3YO season and will target some nicer races in the early autumn.