Baby Don’t Cry delivers winning swansong for Widdison
CONSISTENT six-year-old Baby Don’t Cry has delivered the perfect sendoff for trainer Craig Widdison after the mare took out the Ian Reid Sprint at Wagga on Thursday.
The win took the horse’s record to seven wins from 29 starts for trainer Craig Widdison, whose lease for the talented galloper runs out on September 1.
In a typically strong performance at a track where it has never missed a place, Baby Don’t Cry found the front early and powered home strongly to return $7.10 at Crownbet.com.au.
Favourite Coolotta made late ground to claim second and deliver $1.30 to WilliamHill.com.au investors, while Gentleman Max rounded out the placings but did not return a dividend due to the small field.
In what has become routine over the month of August for the horse’s connections, a roar erupted as Baby Don’t Cry crossed first to make it two wins and a place from three runs at the Wagga track.
Widdison said it was great for everyone involved to finish the tenure victorious.
“There’s always been a big representation the whole way through,” he told HorseBetting.com.au.
“Along the journey you don’t get owners rocking up every start but with this mare it’s been terrific.
“A lot of these guys I’ve been mates with all the way back to school, we grew up together so it’s great that we got a horse that’s got a bit of ability and that has taken us on the ride she has.”
The trainer said the mare’s record speaks for itself after recording wins at in the metropolitan and regional areas.
“She won in the city and had wins everywhere all around the country areas, and at good odds a lot of the time,” Widdison added.
“It’s a shame we have to give her back, but so be it, that’s how it goes.
“It’s been a great journey.”
Baby Don’t Cry was given a strong ride by Chelsea MacFarlane, who kept the mare up to the task before letting it hit the line strongly in characteristic fashion.
According to Widdison, the strong ride was the decisive factor in the horse’s second win from three starts at Wagga.
“She’s not a difficult horse to ride but if the jockey’s do what they’re asked like Chelsea does it gives her a great winning chance,” he said.
“Chelsea just waited until she balanced up and she finished off really well, and she’s done that throughout her whole career with me.”