Jumps career on hold for in-form Refectory
Richard Laming is 12 months ahead with Refectory after the Irish-bred galloper recorded a tough victory at Moonee Valley.
Laming has a jumps career in mind for Refectory and in particular the Grand National Steeplechase.
After a fighting win at Sandown on August 7, Refectory again showed his toughness to take out the Rangedale Plate (2500m) on Saturday.
Ridden by Craig Newitt, Refectory ($15) scored a three-quarter length win from the $2.20 favourite Black Tomahawk with Bayanova ($9) six lengths away third.
Laming has been schooling Refectory as part of his flat program and says the gelding shows promise over obstacles although he will refrain from starting him over jumps until next year.
“He’s had three trials and he made a bit of a mistake at the last one the other day so I’m in no hurry to race him yet, he needs some more practice,” Laming said.
“I think he’s a horse that could measure up over fences and I think he could be a National horse.”
Refectory is a tough ride for jockeys as he misses the start although his manners have improved.
When the pace slackened Newitt took off at the 1500m mark to take up the running and was headed by the runner-up turning for home.
“He’s hard work but he is what he is and you can’t change him,” Newitt said.
“In the Sandown Cup last year he walked out 20 lengths behind them and he’s only missing it a couple now.”