No Tricks In Great Charade’s Emotional Win
Trainer Trevor Andrews is certain Great Charade had ‘help from above’ following the gelding’s courageous win in the Tabtouch-Better Your Bet Handicap (1400m) at Ascot on Wednesday.
Ridden by Clint Johnston-Porter, Great Charade raced outside of the leader and looked vulnerable in the straight, but he refused to give in and fought on to defeat a charging Dipara by a long-head.
There were mixed emotions in the winner’s stall with Great Charade’s fourth career victory from 28 starts coming just a week after part owner Jerry Lobban sadly passed away.
“A lot of divine intervention,” T M Andrews said.
“Our dear mate Jerry Lobban owns 50 percent of the horse and he has got all his boys here today (Wednesday).
“It’s been a tough week for everyone and a fitting end.
“He’s a champion bloke who has been lost.”
Andrew’s said Great Charade had comeback stronger after enjoying a stint in Kalgoorlie last year.
Wednesday’s victory was his first in town and followed a first-up third to Universal Pleasure at Bunbury.
Andrews believes there are more wins on offer for Great Charade, bought for $70,000 at the 2017 Magic Millions Perth yearling sale.
“I sent him up to John Lugg and he won a couple of races for us,” Andrews said.
“He got some confidence as a lot of horses do when they go to Kalgoorlie.
“He’s matured quite nicely and has come back in form
“Both runs this time have been pretty good.
“He had a really tough run (Wednesday) outside of the leader.
“He just fought it out and it was a massive effort.
“Obviously Jerry was sort of right behind him all the way.”