Emma Pritchard
Central Coast galloper Cecil Street Lad is on the road to success during the 2024 XXXX July Racing Carnival after the talented son of American sire Bobby’s Kitten (USA) recorded a hard-fought victory in the Clocktower Hotel John Carlton Cup Quality over 1195m on July 7.
Trained at Wyong by Kristen Buchanan, the five-year-old bay gelding was well supported in the market at 5/1 and appreciated the quick back up following an unplaced run at Canterbury four days prior.
A proven performer on rain affected ground, Cecil Street Lad pinged from barrier 3 underneath jockey Taylor Marshall and settled behind the early leader Bugalugs as the field of 14 stretched out.
Rounding the home turn, Marshall gave the galloper his head as Bugalugs kicked back strongly along the rails.
But Cecil Street Lad proved too strong for his competitors, winning the feature event by a long neck on the line and qualifying for the prestigious Grafton District Services Club (GDSC) Ramornie Handicap to be run over 1200m on July 17.
Bugalugs held on for second while Swamp Nation at 30/1 ran third.
Named in honour of former local race caller John Carlton, the John Carlton Cup Quality has been a headline event during the annual July Racing Carnival for more than 30 years.
During the presentation, the winning owners gratefully acknowledged the Clarence River Jockey Club (CRJC) for hosting the race while Matt Dougherty, speaking on behalf of the Carlton family, said he continues to be remembered with affection, fondness, and the upmost respect.
“He (John) was a great man, and he called races here at Grafton for many years,” he said.
“Congratulations to the winning owners and to Kristen and her team.”
Cecil Street Lad’s success in the Clocktower Hotel John Carlton Cup Quality took his career earnings past $240000.
A $55000 purchase through the 2020 Magic Millions Yearling Sales in Adelaide, Cecil Street Lad has raced 34 times for eight wins and four minor placings.
His owners confirmed the talented gelding will chase further success on the track when he lines up for the GDSC Ramornie Handicap next week.