Ciaron Maher has given high marks to the duo of his stablemates who duked it out in a heart-stopping finale for the Australian Cup at Flemington.
The Group 1 2000m test saw Maher take the quinella courtesy of Light Infantry Man who won by a nose from the crowd-pleasing Pride Of Jenni on Saturday.
Leading from the front as always, Pride Of Jenni was challenged when the $2.50 hotpot ranged up to her 400m out.
The favourite was all but crowned before Pride Of Jenni fought her way back into the lead, only for Light Infantry Man to challenge strongly.
Light Infantry Man ($21), guided by Harry Coffey, produced a nose verdict in the dying stages over Pride Of Jenni ($11) as Apulia ($13) trailed by a length for third.
Birdman couldn’t sustain his challenge and filled fifth position, three lengths beaten.
As per trainer Ciaron Maher, Light Infantry Man calls for a tailored riding method.
Suspended Ethan Brown, the gelding’s go-to jockey, grasps his style and briefed Coffey on it.
“This horse, he’s a unique horse, in the way he has to be ridden,” Maher said.
“Browny understands him well and I asked him to pass on some of that information last start and Harry didn’t really get it until he had finished the race.
He rode him perfect today. The start is very important for him. He blasted him straight out of the gates.
I don’t know who I’m more proud of, the winner or the second horse.”
The trainer toyed with Sydney for the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Randwick Saturday, but believed Pride Of Jenni would force a true rhythm in the Australian Cup.
Pride Of Jenni’s sharp pace last year in the Australian Cup aided Light Infantry Man, a pattern replicated Saturday.
“Two of his best wins are when he’s raced her,” Maher said.
“It’s such a shame for Jenni to run second again.
I know for (owner) Tony (Ottobre), it’s a race he holds very dear to his heart. He strapped back in the day a horse for (Colin) Hayes.
It’s still a race that’s eluded her, but she’s racing in great heart, and you never know, we may be back here with her next year. She was phenomenal.
I thought it was going to be a spectacular race and to be fighting it out with two of your own, it’s pretty cool.”
Harry Coffey rode Light Infantry Man to fourth in the Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield, acquiring useful info, topped by Brown’s Saturday text.
“This is his horse and he’s been so open and transparent in how to ride him,” Coffey said.
“He sent me a text this morning saying ‘I see it is going to be pretty wet, make sure you give him a nice warm up to the gates to let him know how open that track is. He’s a smart horse, and he’ll come to the conditions, but you have to let him know’.
“So, thank you Browny.”
Declan Bates, steering Pride Of Jenni, hailed her as a valiant competitor.
“I don’t think I have ever asked of a horse what I asked of her today,” Bates said.
“I really asked her to extend quite early and she responded so gallantly.
“Frustrating not to win, obviously, but I am delighted for Harry, and I’m really happy with my horse.”
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