SHABOOH SHALAA secured his first win and extended the stable’s impressive recent record with a tough performance at Ipswich on Friday.
The gallant gelding became the stable’s seventh winner from our last 12 starters when he overcame a wide passage and an unsuitably soft surface in the Maiden Handicap (1700m).
In his post-race interview, David admitted that with a number of factors seemingly counting against SHABOOH SHALAA, he hadn’t shared the confidence of punters who had backed the 4YO into even money favouritism.
The son of Shalaa had missed some work due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which perhaps saw him lacking match fitness but he more than compensated with his will to win.
Jockey Noel Callow made a mid-race move to take up a more prominent position, and after circling the field the pair held on very gamely to score by a long neck.
“It’s a hot day but that’s not the only reason I’m sweating,” said David.
“We couldn’t get a trial into him because of the cyclone conditions, so we’ve had to work him hard on the track instead but it’s not always as beneficial as a trial. I thought the distance was a risk, as was the soft track. So we didn’t tick a lot of boxes today, but we did tick the most important one which is that he goes pretty good.
“Despite all those factors, it was great to see him get the job done today. When I saw he was four or five deep at the 500-metre mark, I thought it would test him. But Noel lifted him, the horse responded accordingly and hopefully he’ll go on with it from here.”
Congratulations to his owners: Albury’s Own, Mr K L Hill, Mr R A Dillon, Mr D Theochari, Mr D J Mulvenna, Mr D J Cleary, Mr D T Masters, DVD Racing, Mr J Beehag.
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