Takedown wins the Winterbottom Stakes
An exuberant Gary Moore has trained his first Australian Group One winner and has declared Takedown ready to take on the world after his win in the Winterbottom Stakes in Perth.
A champion jockey in Hong Kong and the winner of the Prix de l”Arc de Triomphe, Moore has trained successfully in Macau but Takedown’s win on Saturday is by far his biggest achievement out of the saddle.
Ridden by Sydney jockey Tim Clark, who had already claimed two wins on the undercard at Ascot on his first visit to the track, Takedown overhauled Sheidel to put himself in the frame for the International Sprint in Hong Kong on December 11.
“We’ve got to give him a go,” Moore said.
Takedown received an invitation to the Hong Kong meeting after the withdrawal of a European sprinter.
Moore is the son of legendary jockey George Moore and the brother of multiple Hong Kong champion trainer John Moore.
“I think Dad would be very proud,” Moore said.
Clark who rode successfully in Hong Kong for several seasons, was thrilled at the prospect of a return to attempt a Group One win.
“He is such a tough, honest horse,” Clark said.
“I knew he would be strong late. What a great horse.
“He never lies down and hopefully he comes through and we can head to Hong Kong.”
Takedown ($9) had a neck on Sheidel ($8.50) at the end with Rock Magic ($13) third.
Favourite Terravista ($3.50) finished near the tail enders after looming on the turn while recent Darley Classic winner iMalaguerra ($3.80) was fifth.