Callan Murray was in fine fettle at Borrowdale Park on Sunday, riding four of the seven winners (including the two feature races) and two seconds.
Three of the four winners were for Kirk Swanson – Supalumina, TBA Silver Slipper winner, Solinski, and Cape Cod – and the fourth was on Comanche Brave, winner of the Breeders Champions Cup, for Amy Bronkhorst.
Earlier in the afternoon the Swanson yard saddled The Catcher, winner of the 1100m Maiden Plate, with Sherman Brown up.
Bridget Stidolph sent out two winners, El Gallo and Al Salaam, both ridden by Brendon McNaughton.
Murray was involved in the closest finish of the day when Al Salaam and Baumgartner went head to head in the 1700m Merit Rated 55 Handicap – winning margin 0.10 lengths.
According to the Stipendiary Board Report Al Salaam ((McNaughton) was hanging out in the final 300 metres. Baumgartner (Murray) was hanging in at the 250 metre mark and thereafter drifted outwards in the final 100 metres.
“An objection was lodged by Jockey C Murray, the rider of the second placed horse BAUMGARTNER, against the winner AL SALAAM (B McNaughton) on the grounds of intimidation and taking his running in the closing stages of this race. The objection was over-ruled and Jockey Murray’s deposit was refunded. The result stayed as per the Official Judges Result.”
Cape Cod’s success in the get-out stakes, a 1200m Novice Plate, rounded off Murray’s memorable day. The son of Mullins Bay (GB) was Tote favourite, starting price 6/10, and may have given his supporters cause for concern when there was a line of horses across the course at about the 200 m mark. However Cape Cod drew clear, beating Detente by two lengths, followed by Tierce and Rhythmical Reply.
Photograph by Gavin Macleod. Cape Cod and Callan Murray heading for a convincing win.
Racing at Borrowdale Park in Harare - Zimbabwe 