MONDAY: October 9, 2023: THE “girls” have it!
Co-trainers Phil and Tara Vigouroux at Queanbeyan today clinched their third win of the season – and all have been ridden by women.
Jess Taylor successfully renewed acquaintances with Bandolero, who landed the CG&E Benchmark 58 Handicap (1460m) at $13.
That followed Team Vigouroux’s recent successes with Zouologist (apprentice Julia Presits) at Hawkesbury on September 21 and Izfallingdown (Kathy O’Hara) at Rosehill Gardens six days later.
And to top it off, Phil Vigouroux gave credit to his wife for selecting the right assignment for Bandolero to return to winning form.
“I have been away for a fortnight visiting family in France, and Tara picked this race,” Phil Vigouroux said.
“Bandolero was well placed today.
“I have been hoping to get Bandolero out to 2400m like his mother Queen Of Queens, who won the 2008 Group 1 SA Oaks (2500m) at Morphettville and a few weeks later finished fourth in the ATC Oaks (2400m).
“But I’m not sure he is going to get there.
“Still, we will see what happens in the future.”
A son of 2013 Cox Plate winner Shamus Award, Bandolero has now won three of his 28 starts and been placed six times.
Taylor had not ridden the five-year-old since he landed a Maiden Plate (1600m) at Queanbeyan in February, and she gave him a great ride today.
After hustling Bandolero along from the start, she got him over on to the fence, then began to push him along well before the home turn to chase after the leaders.
Bandolero responded gamely in the straight to overhaul Departing Bullet ($10) and $1.95 favorite Spats Pav Bowie, whom Taylor has partnered in two of his three career wins.
However, connections understandably took advantage of apprentice Olivia Chambers’ 2kg allowance to help offset his 64kg.
. Meanwhile, Hawkesbury Race Club has announced that $13,000 was raised for the RDA Richmond, Ryde, Blue Mountains, Tall Timbers and Central Coast centres at yesterday’s Riding For The Disabled Raceday.
“We would like to thank our valued sponsors, function room attendees and raffle ticket purchasers for their support to raise these much-needed funds,” Hawkesbury chief executive James Heddo said.
“Riding For The Disabled do a tremendous job in the community, and we are thrilled to facilitate such a successful joint venture.”