PILKINGTON IN AN EXCITED "STATE" AFTER CUP TRIUMPH
The Hawkesbury-based Irish expat had never been to “where the dog sits on the tuckerbox” at Gundagai, let alone start a horse there.
But the trainer left most impressed after Alabama State ($6) landed last Friday’s famous Snake Gully Cup (1400m).
Given a great ride by fellow Irish expat Louise Day, Alabama State defeated Sydney pair Komodo Dragon ($6) and Flying Trapeze ($41) in a tense finish.
Day, who rode the now five-year-old gelding in his first trial and first three starts in early 2024, was recalled for the $100,000 feature, which carried Big Dance Eligibility status for the $3m feature at Royal Randwick next November.
But it wasn’t that which attracted Pilkington to having a crack at the Cup.
“Alabama State is at his best at 1400m, and I asked Louise about the state of the track because I had never been there,” he said.
“She was very complimentary about Gundagai.
“It’s an unusual track, but Alabama State handled it well and it seemed an ideal race for him coming off the Four Pillars.
“What a great meeting! There was a terrific atmosphere, and everyone was enjoying themselves.
“I’m certainly glad we went.
“Provided Alabama State continues to do well, we will look at going back on the road next Sunday to Canberra for another 1400m feature, the $200,000 Community Chest.
“Winning the Snake Gully Cup made him exempt from any ballot.”
Alabama State, an $80,000 yearling purchase at the 2023 Magic Millions sale at the Gold Coast, gave Pilkington his maiden winner when successful in a 1100m Maiden Handicap as a two-year-old at Hawkesbury in March 2024.
He has since won a further five races – including three in town – to boost his earnings to almost $425,000.
Alabama State had carried 61.5kg when seventh to fellow Hawkesbury trainer Marc Chevalier’s Stand My Ground in the $500,000 Four Pillars Midway (1500m) at Royal Randwick on October 31.
The form from the Four Pillars was further confirmed when Wyong-trained runner-up Cuban Cigar won at Newcastle’s feature meeting yesterday.
Whilst Pilkington was understandably thrilled to get Alabama State back into the winning list, he was disappointed at missing yesterday’s Group 3 Spring Stakes (1600m) at Newcastle.
He had to withdraw Am I Dreaming from the race, which he had planned for his second start this campaign.
“The colt’s blood wasn’t right,” Pilkington explained.
“I was going to give him a break after Newcastle with a view to the autumn.
“Now I might have to change his program altogether.”
