Peter Hibberd, The Buloke Times
Mornington trainer, Matt Laurie, achieved what must be called a unique or rare double by winning the Weirs IGA Donald 2-Y-O Classic with Diamond Gust.
Last year, he won the Donald Cup with Chartres. The other amazing fact is that some of the part-owners in Diamond Gust are also in the ownership of Chartres. This horse was purchased for $280,000 and being fully paid up for VOBIS bonuses, received a big pay day for winning.
Ridden to victory by Adam McCabe, it sat behind the leaders when entering the home straight and this big horse came away for an easy win. Speaking to Adam after the race, he was asked when was the last time he rode at Donald. His response was, “I can’t remember! It was that long ago.”
Looking at his record, he started riding in 2007, has only had 15 rides on the track, 3 wins and 2 placings. Based at Mornington, he does most of his riding in that area. The Donald track has a very good reputation, hence trainers come from all parts of, not only Victoria, but also interstate.
Two trainers achieved their first ever victories at Donald last Saturday. Gerald Egan, who trains at Mansfield, has only had five runners at Donald and won with Ancho in the Donald Motor Lodge Handicap.
Brett Campbell, who trains at Gawler in South “Oz” also had success with his first winner at the track, with Boltonova in the last race. He has only been to Donald on one previous occasion.
The day of firsts did not stop there. Lady jockey Brittany Button had her first ride at the Donald track, riding Ancho to victory. She has only been race riding for just over 12 months.
Jockey Paul Gatt also had his first ever winner at Donald with Friendzoned. He has only had 10 race rides at Donald in a long career.
Two owners, Mrs M. T. and Mr. J. W. Knight from South “Oz” had a double on the day with Neons Last for the McEvoy training team and Boltonova for Brett Campbell. Neons Last was formerly trained by Brett Campbell before being transferred to the McEvoys.
Results
Race one: Punters got off to a good start when the favourite Eau De Cologne led all the way, with jockey Will Gordon holding a big lead on the final bend, it won by a comfortable margin.
Race two: Another Mornington-based trainer, Jason Warren, also had success with Friendzoned, ridden by Paul Gatt. Another horse that led all the way, was supported at good odds.
Race three: Donald Classic.
Race four: Gerard Egan and Brittany Button combined to win with Ancho in a very close finish, coming from well back in the field to win. It won at its previous start at Tocumwal.
Race five: Stawell trainer, Andrew Bobbin’s run of winners continues. After winning two feature races at Warrnambool, he scored a victory with Khant Bee, with jockey Jack Hill. Sat back in the field and came with a strong run in the final stages.
Race six: Not having raced since June last year did not stop Neons Last. Jockey Jake Duffy had to weave some magic in the straight to win. Now trained by the McEvoys, its last win was at Port Augusta.
Race seven: One of the most in-form jockeys at the moment has to be Lachlan King. He’s had winners on 3 occasions last week, combined with Grinzinger Love for Flemington trainer, Danny O’Brien. Sat outside the leader and controlled the speed to win narrowly.
Race eight: A very solid pace set up the race for Turfie, ridden by Dean Yendall. In the early and middle part of the race was last in the run. On the home bend was wide, but overpowered his rivals. Trained by Patrick Keane at Pakenam, another trainer from the other side of Melbourne to have a winner.
Race nine: The long trip was well worth it when Boltonova won the last race. Although not racing very well in the home straight, it won by just over a length for jockey Logan McNeil.
Jump Outs
Such is the popularity of the Donald track that after nine races on Saturday, there was 13 jump outs, with 80 horses yesterday.
Tips
Hope some followed the tips in Friday’s edition, with 2 winners and 1 second in the three best for the day.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 6 May 2025.
