Dagny posts another Waller milestone
Sydney’s leading trainer Chris Waller reached the 400-win milestone at Rosehill after Dagny snared the last in a dramatic conclusion to Saturday’s meeting.
Waller, who recorded his 200th triumph at Warwick Farm midweek, achieved another landmark on his home track after $3.70 favourite Dagny followed New Universe and Winx Hall Of Fame Handicap victor Invinzabeel to the winner’s stall.
Dagny scored the Light Fingers Hall Of Fame Handicap (1400m) by 1-1/2 lengths from Labdien ($16) with Wahng Wah ($12) a long neck back in third.
“I wouldn’t know where she’s going but she’s obviously massively progressive,” Waller’s racing manager Charlie Duckworth said of Dagny’s future plans.
“Hopefully we can get her some winning black type for her.”
While the four-year-old mare produced a trouble-free ride for Tommy Berry, the Waller-trained Firebird Flyer was inadvertently the horse to watch after he left Blaike McDougall in the barriers.
Firebird Flyer had to be escorted to the barriers after looking fractious in the parade ring and on the track.
The four-year-old mare did not impede other runners but took some time to be corralled post-race.
McDougall copped a blow to the head when he was dismounted but the injury was not considered serious.
“He’s alright. He seems to be fine,” Duckworth said.
“As any apprentice would be I guess, they’re twice as hard on themselves when it happens because they they think it’s their opportunity dead and buried with Chris.
“It wasn’t his fault.”
In A Wink also threw her rider Richard Bensley before the barriers and was scratched. The jockey left the track nursing a sore neck.