Emma Pritchard

Defying his odds of 40/1, underrated campaigner Casirina recorded a barnstorming victory in the Maria River Cattle Company 2025 Walcha Cup on February 7.

Trained in Grafton by astute horsewoman Samantha McGuren, who only recently welcomed  the seven-year-old son of Casino Prince into her stables, the sprightly grey gelding ensured the bookies cheered loudly as he unleashed a powerful charge in the home straight to deny the short priced favourite Shamedy back-to-back wins by half a length on the line in the 140th running of the feature event over 1440m.

Ridden by Mikayla Weir, Casirina settled prominently in the first half of the 12-horse field, saving ground along the rail before switching to the outside at the 400m mark as Shamedy claimed the early leader Buffer Buster.

Charging to the line, Casirina claimed his seventh win from 52 starts and took his career earnings over $200000.

It was the geldings first victory since July 2023.