Homebush Lad makes history

Woodend beach trainers Greg and Nina Hope created history yesterday when Homebush Lad won the Rosco Contractors Reefton Cup. He is the first horse to have won 3 consecutive Reefton cups.

Driver Ben Hope was thrilled with the 9 year old Mach Three geldings performance.

“He’s a really cool horse. When he’s on song he’s a lovely horse to drive. To get 3 Reefton Cups is really cool.”

Homebush Lad began well from his 20m handicap. Settling 5th on the markers early in a strung out field, Hope waited patiently for the right time to move, which came at the 1400m when he dashed around to lead at the winning post with a lap to go. From there Hope and Homebush Lad controlled the race and shot away at the top of the straight to hold on and win from Smoke On The Water and Johnny Mac.

“He thrives on these kind of circuits. By the time we get to day 3 he’s usually at his best. I was reasonably confident with him. I thought I’d drive him like the best horse in the race and see if it pays off. And it did!”

Homebush Lad is owned by Adeline Smith, who also races Krystal Delight out of the Hope barn.

“Adeline loves her horses and has been a pleasure to train for. I’m really happy for her!”

Homebush Lad has now won 14 races and over $200,000 in stakes.

“We may look at the Nelson Cup, then on to the Marlborough Cup. The Marlborough Cup would be a good race to target.”

Meanwhile, Leeston trainer Paul Nairn took out the Dawsons Hotel Reefton Cup for trotters with El Conqueror and Blair Orange.

El Conqueror began well from his frontline draw for Orange to lead throughout. Kicking away up the straight to hold on from Hellovamoment and Muscle Bank.

The 4 year old Sebastian K gelding completed a double on the circuit after winning on the second day of the Westport meeting. He has now won 5 races from 26 starts and over $65,000 in stakes.

El Conqueror’s win gave Nairn a training double on the card after High Noon won the maiden trot with Stacy Whatuira in the sulky.