MONDAY: January 24, 2022: MULTIPLE Group 1 winning Hawkesbury trainer Garry Frazer had some further good news on top of his success with Rita May at Wyong yesterday.
A yearling half-sister to his talented filly will arrive at his stables next week.
“This filly is by the Irish stallion Ribchester, who sired last Saturday’s Randwick debut winner Plymstock,” Frazer said this morning.
“We’ll break her in and educate her and give her a couple of preparations to see how she goes as to whether she races as a two-year-old.”
Both Rita May (by Xtravagant) and her younger relation were bred by the White family – and Frazer, understandably, can’t speak highly enough of the backing they have given him.
He has trained many horses, including Group 1 winner Spright (now retired), for the family carrying their familiar white and purple colours.
“They gave Hurrara to me 12 or so years ago, and we won nine races with him, including four in town and twice at the Hawkesbury stand-alone meeting in 2011 and 2014,” Frazer said.
“It was the last race of the day on both occasions when he won at home.
“The Whites have been fantastic supporters of mine and they, along with Rosehill trainer Gerald Ryan, have kept me going.
“Gerald has sent horses to me for many years to pre-train, and I’m also very appreciative of his assistance.”
Frazer put blinkers on well-backed $2.50 favorite Rita May yesterday in the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1000m), and was delighted with the filly’s response to the new gear.
“She relaxed better than she has before,” he said.
“I mentioned to her rider Reece Jones beforehand that if she was travelling okay on the home turn, to nick off and get a break with Wyong being a short straight.
“That’s exactly what he did and it worked out well.”
Rita May comfortably defeated Dual Escape ($6) and Shocking Force ($13) to post her second victory from only four starts.
Jones rode her on debut when runner-up at Gosford over 1000m on November 20, and Mikayla Weir had the mount when the filly bolted in at Newcastle over 900m on December 4.
Frazer plans to give Rita May a month’s break at the White’s Robrick Lodge property, and believes she will come back a stronger and better filly.
“With further maturity, I believe she will handle 1200m and win more races,” he added.
. Multi-skilled Frazer also trains greyhounds, and has a smart dog in Sweet Venom, who has won four of his six starts – all at Richmond.