Heavelon Van Der Hoven signed off from Sydney racing in perfect style, riding his first NSW metropolitan winner at his final meeting before relocating to Brisbane. The 32-year-old partnered the Jim and Greg Lee-trained Glorious Moments ($3.80 equal favourite) to a runaway 4-1/4 length victory in The Agency Real Estate Handicap (1300m) at Randwick.
“I wish it happened earlier, but I’m very grateful for the opportunity and to the team for giving me the support that they have here,” Van Der Hoven said after the breakthrough win. “Hopefully I can stay on him.”
The departing jockey indicated he would happily return to Sydney to ride Glorious Moments again, with the three-year-old making it back-to-back wins to start his latest campaign. “He was a bit soft in the run. He didn’t know when to travel and when to relax,” Van Der Hoven said. “He is still raw and he’s very exciting. He’s got a good turn of foot which in the future will be a clear advantage.”
Glorious Moments is prepared by Randwick stalwarts Jim and Greg Lee, who famously trained 1983 Caulfield Cup winner Hayai and have enjoyed modern-day success with runners like Fouardee and Keepin’ The Dream.
In another highlight on the card, Warwick Farm trainer David Pfieffer celebrated a third win this preparation for his progressive mare Oh Diamond Lil ($2.70 favourite). The four-year-old tracked Aberlour ($4.20) in the run before asserting her authority to win the Mostyn Cooper Handicap (1600m) by two lengths, with the pair putting a space on their rivals.
Pfieffer confirmed plans for a short spell before targeting higher honours later this year, with the Group 3 Belle Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Gosford among the potential goals. “She has always been a horse who has promised a lot to us. We just had to wait for it,” he said. “Ideally, we want to get black type for her down the track somewhere. Imagine her leading around Gosford? It’s five months away but you’ve got to think ahead.”
The mare could also be set for interstate assignments in Melbourne or a tilt at the Big Dance Wild Card later in spring. For those keen to wager on these feature races, leading betting sites have markets available.