GUTSY LITTLE MARE NO LONGER A MAIDEN

THURSDAY: September 18, 2025: BLAKE Ryan says it would have been cruel if Missie Lee had finished her racing career winless.

So the Hawkesbury trainer had every reason to be satisfied when the lightly-raced four-year-old mare broke through at Kembla Grange today.

Showing the grit which Ryan gives her great credit for her, Missie Lee (Jay Ford) grabbed the Provincial Maiden Handicap (1000m) in the last few strides.

A $3.60 second favorite, she defeated a late finishing Uncle Barry ($12) and fellow Hawkesbury trainer Ed Cummings’ Ex Wife ($6).

A homebred, the daughter of Smart Missile is raced by the Stevenson family, who gave her to Ryan to train.

“Jim and Gloria Stevenson are from Penrith, and have a share in Up The Front, who won his first two starts for me,” Ryan said this evening.

“I met them through my farrier Brad Porter, who has a connection with the Stevensons through polo.

“Missie Lee stands little more than 15 hands, but makes up for that in courage.

“She tries so hard, and it was great to see her win today for both herself and her owners.”

Ryan said he initially didn’t plan to resume Missie Lee at Hawkesbury on September 6 in a Provincial Maiden Plate (1000m) on the back of one trial.

“I started her because it was a suitable race at home, and she hit the line well when runner-up to the favorite Twinkling Star,” he said.

“Normally, I wouldn’t back a horse up in less than a fortnight, but she had done well and this was another suitable race.

“Because she gives everything in her races, I will give her a break now and not race her again for three to four weeks.”

Missie Lee’s stablemate, Ryan’s flagship mare Lady Extreme, will race next at Royal Randwick on Epsom Handicap day.

“Lady Extreme went up five benchmark points to 84 for winning a Benchmark 88 Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on August 30,” Ryan said.

“She likes her runs spaced, and had some time away on a water walker and is now back at the stable.

“There is a Benchmark 94 Handicap (1200m) on October 4, and that should suit her nicely.”