Browne makes Gold Coast trip worthwhile
Top jockey Damian Browne made a rare trip down the highway to partner promising filly Dansez to her first win at the Gold Coast on Wednesday.
Caloundra-based Browne is known for his dislike of road travel and in particular has an aversion to the two-hour trip to the Gold Coast.
He rarely rides at the Gold Coast apart from feature race meetings but threw punters a guide when he took three rides at Wednesday’s meeting.
Browne was able to get the best out of Dansez ($3.20) who held on to beat Catalina Miss ($3.70) by a long neck.
“She was bit slow out but I kept her balanced and she found a bit in the straight. It was a handy win and they have run a good time,” Browne said.
He went home with a win and a second (Captain Eyche) after his other ride Meet George Jetson was unplaced.
Winning trainer Kelly Schweida believes the form out of the race will prove to be strong.
“It was a better than average midweek race and I think a few of them including mine can go on with it,” he said.
Dansez, who had run second at her three previous runs, is proving a cheap buy as she cost only $8000 as a yearling.
Another Caloundra resident David Vandyke had the honour of training the first metropolitan winner of the season when former Godolphin mare Foxwhistle ($2.60) won.
“Foxwhistle is now owned by Harry Reed who has been a great supporter of mine and I think she can win a better race,” Vandyke said.
Former kiwi jockey Shannon Doyle continued his good run since returning to the saddle in January when promising Side Trip ($2.80) scored.
Doyle rode with success in New Zealand but had not ridden in a race for two years when moving to the Gold Coast last year.
But after taking up riding trackwork he got his weight under control and began riding in races mainly for trainer John Morrisey and his son Scott.
Side Trip was his 14th winner and his 12th for the Morriseys since resuming.