Emma Pritchard

When his stablemate, the talented three-year-old King Of Sparta was scratched earlier in the day, it was left to progressive galloper Ranges to represent the powerful training partnership of Paul and Peter Snowden in the 2022 Grafton District Services Club (GDSC) Ramornie Handicap over 1200m on July 13.

And he didn’t disappoint.

Jumping from barrier 11 as one of the well-backed favourites in the feature event on the program, Ranges sat on the speed behind early leader Greyworm before unleashing a powerful kick inside the final 200m to win by just over a length from topweight Gem Song and the fast-finishing Fender.

It was the third victory in the race for the Snowden partnership while Paul Snowden previously won the Ramornie with Pinwheel in 2010 and Jerezana in 2011 respectively.

Stable representative Matthew McCudden was full of superlatives for the son of Shooting To Win following his success in the time-honoured sprint, describing Ranges as a horse who “just keeps getting better.”

“He’s like a fine old wine,” he said proudly.

“He’s a model of consistency and he’s racing in career best form.

“That was his eighth win in 35 starts.

“He’s a horse which makes his own luck, he’s got a lovely temperament, nothing phases him, and he’s a stable favourite at home.

“We’re thrilled to win the Ramornie with him.”

Winning jockey Tom Sherry said he was honoured to win one of the main races during the 2022 XXXX July Winter Racing Carnival, and said he always felt confident on Ranges.

“The horse ran a super honest race, and he just kept giving right to the line,” he said.

“It was a great effort and I feel very honoured to win the Ramornie.”

A $140000 purchase from the Baramul Stud draft for Triple Crown Syndications, Ranges is out of the talented mare I Believe and is a half-brother to triple Group 2 winner and Group 1 placed speed machine Rain Affair.

His victory in the 2022 GDSC Ramornie Handicap took his career earnings over $500000.

Last year’s winner Southern Lad ran home solidly to finish sixth, just over two lengths behind Ranges.