Trainer Jane Clement and jockey Rachael Murray combined perfectly again when Desert Marshal raced away to win the Whites Rural Gwydir Open Handicap (1200m) in Moree on Thursday.
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The Bendemeer-trained four-year-old son of Lope De Vega was never in danger.
Murray, who has ridden 113 winners this season, rode the Clement-trained gelding perfectly in front.
They strolled in to beat fast-finishing Mishani Stealth by just over two lengths.
Bob’s Warrior was third.
The race wasn’t without drama for Murray, though.
She admitted the gelding got his head sideways in the barriers and when they jumped.
That meant she “had no reins” when they jumped.
However she was able to recover and the gelding went on to win his fifth race in 26 starts.
Desert Marshal is owned by Terry Burke, Maurice Blanch, Bruce McHugh and Clement’s parents, Marion and Brian Reid.
Murray was able to lead easily and dictate.
That was a far cry from his previous unplaced effort in the John Carlton Cup at Grafton.
“He needs to be left alone in front,” Murray told Sky Thoroughbred Central’s Gary Kliese and Priscilla Schmidt.
“He’s got a high cruising speed and can quicken off that.”
Clement said Desert Marshal had “to work too hard” in the John Carlton Cup.
“He’s always had the ability just a bit naughty,” she said.
“He’s starting to grow up and will make a better horse next year.”
Gunnedah trainer Gavin Groth started the day well.
He won the first race with Sound Sleuth.
Tamworth trainer Sue Grills won the second with Onya Rosie.
Armidale trainer Stirling Osland produced consistent mare Closely Related to win the third of the day.
It was the horse’s second win in 20 starts.
“She’s always been consistent,” Osland said of the mare, who has also had seven placings.
Gulgong trainer Brett Thompson won the fourth race with the flying I’m Imogen.
It made the four-and-half-hour trip worthwhile, when she railed perfectly after running off the track at her previous Mudgee run.
Grills’ Rothbury was an eye-catching third. Rothbury finished powerfully late to edge out stablemate Cool Prince for the minor prize money.
Racing attention turns to Dubbo on Friday where a number of HNWRA stables are represented.
Scone races this Monday before Coonabarabran (Saturday) and Tamworth (Sunday) race the following weekend.
