Emma Pritchard
Five weeks ago, Bold Contender (NZ) won a Benchmark 50 Handicap.
On July 5, the progressive son of Ocean Park (NZ) scored his third win in succession when he raced away with the Westlawn Finance Grafton Cup Quality Prelude over 2230m and secured his place in the 2022 Southside Pharmacy Grafton Cup.
Trained locally by Andrew Parramore and ridden by popular hoop Ben Looker, the five-year-old gelding was well fancied by punters and jumped the $2.30 favourite.
After settling at the rear of the eight-horse field on a Heavy 10 surface, Bold Contender (NZ) came with a strong run down the outside to defeat promising stayer Olympic Class by just under a length.
Prominent pacer Rahaan held on for third, 2.43 lengths away.
Following the race, the winning trainer said Bold Contender (NZ) showed his toughness to prevail in the wet conditions, adding he “will run the trip right out” when he lines up in the feature staying event during the 2022 XXXX July Winter Racing Carnival on July 14.
Bred by the world-renowned Waikato Stud in New Zealand, Bold Contender (NZ) has a classy staying pedigree and drops to 54kg in the 2022 Southside Pharmacy Grafton Cup.
Describing themselves as confident prior to the success of Bold Contender (NZ) in the Westlawn Finance Grafton Cup Quality Prelude, proud owners Fred and Ros Xerri said it is wonderful to have a locally owned and trainer galloper in the 2022 Southside Pharmacy Grafton Cup.
“We’re not nervous, we’re just happy to see the horse racing well,” Mrs Xerri said.
“If we win, we’ll celebrate with a few drinks, and we might shout a few more,” Mr Xerri added.
Following the running of the Westlawn Finance Grafton Cup Quality Prelude, the Clarence River Jockey Club (CRJC) was forced to postpone Races 5-8 after jockeys expressed their concerns regarding poor visibility on the track as the rain continued to fall.
It was the second time the CRJC postponed the race meeting in two days.
Originally set to run on July 3, Races 4-9 were postponed and later rescheduled to be included as part of an eight-race program on July 5 after apprentice jockey Leah Kilner was involved in a serious incident on the opening day of the 2022 XXXX July Winter Racing Carnival.
CRJC Chairman Graeme Green said while postponing the race meeting for a second time was disappointing, the safety of the riders was paramount, and he is hoping for improved conditions for the remainder of the carnival.