Mare breaks long drought
HANDY mare Changeup broke a 34-month drought from the winners’ circle earlier this week.
Given her long absence from the number one stall it sounds odd referring to Changeup as ‘handy’ but her record tells another story, with seven wins, four seconds and four thirds from 21 starts!
As for the seven-year-old’s lengthy time between victories, she did spend 32 months on the sidelines.
“She is sound as a bell, and always has been, but her owner just gave up on the sport and threw all his horses in a paddock, including her,” trainer Peta Brown said. “I only came across her by chance.
“I was there to pick up another one when I spotted her, and without knowing her name, just liked the look of her and arranged to take her as well.
“She is a lovely mare, which will do a nice job once she gets fitness levels up.”
Driven by Brown’s husband Terry, Changeup enjoyed the run of the race from her inside of the second row draw as Celestial Daybreak led from the pole.
Finishing strongly along the sprint lane the daughter of Changeover scored by a half-head from the fast-finishing Keilah.
In a ‘blanket’ finish, Boss Major was a neck away in 1:58.2 over a mile.
“We couldn’t be happier with her run,” Brown said. “That was her third start back from such a long time off and she hasn’t stopped improving.
“Her first start didn’t go as planned, then she was runner-up before now winning.
“With a few more starts under her belt she will be right at her peak and I’m confident she will get up in grade.”
- Story – Paul Courts
- Photo -Walter Bulyga