A rails hugging ride from jockey Tommy Berry paved the way for well-performed galloper Waihaha Falls to return to the winner’s enclosure with a remarkable display to take out the Schweppes Handicap (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Trained by John O’Shea for owner-breeders Waikato Stud and Guy and Bridget Lowry, Waihaha Falls lapped up the rise to 1400m after making ground strongly over 1200m in his first two runs in a new campaign.
Although well supported in early markets, punters were wary of the chances of the noted back runner on a day where those on pace had dominated most of the earlier races, however they hadn’t counted on the powerful finishing capabilities of the six-year-old son of Sacred Falls.
Settled a clear last by Berry as Frosty Rocks set up some slick sectionals in front, Waihaha Falls was still a clear last on the home bend and a long way from a winning prospect.
Berry hunted a rails run as he wound his mount up and despite having to switch one-off the fence to get clear running in the final stages Waihaha Falls was at full steam as he dived through a narrow gap to take the victory in the shadows of the post.
Berry was thrilled with the win after having his confidence dented when the horse drew barrier nine in the 10-horse field.
“That was just breathtaking as it was gut wrenching when I saw where we drew given John had him set for this race,” Berry said.
“The fence has been where most of the winners have been at some point during the day so we were aware of that.
“When they quickened as we came around the corner he dropped the bit a little and when I was coming through he got baulked a little bit, but he has been working up to this so it was a brilliant win.”
O’Shea was one of those in the camp who felt the task for his charge could have been too great given the racing pattern on the day.
“We thought we were just going around for practice when we saw the nature of the running early on and where he was going to be,” O’Shea said.
“I have been so happy with him as he has been airborne at home and I have to make particular mention of my staff who have done a wonderful job, including my son Jordan who has been brushing him incessantly over the last fortnight as he wanted something on him.
“Tom had worked him during the week and he was so happy with him, so to produce a ride like that was unbelievable.
“I said to him earlier we would just have to cop our medicine as everyone was intent on going forward so it was in the lap of the gods, but it was a great Tom Berry ride and the horse has been deserving of that.”
Waihaha Falls has now won five of his 19 starts with a further five placings for more than A$544,000 in prizemoney.
He is by Sacred Falls out of the Scaredee Cat mare Mink, who herself was a winner from Lowry’s Hastings stable. She later crossed the Tasman to join O’Shea, for whom she collected another two wins and also finished fourth in the Listed Civic Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill in 2012.
Mink is the dam of two winners from three foals to race, with Waihaha Falls’ half-brother Golden Key a five-time winner in Australia and Macau. -NZ Racing Desk
