Village Rebel wins Wairarapa Cup

by Brigette Solomon

The 20 metre handicap was no trouble for the Village Rebel in the Connie Stewart NZSIR Wairarapa Cup at Tauherenikau today.

“I was absolutely thrilled for his owners Alan and Lyn Messenger, they have been big supporters of mine for years” says trainer Nicky Chilcott.

“I didn’t think today would be his day with the race being only 2000 metres” says Chilcott “The Otaki Cup over 3000 metres on Thursday was our main target as he is a good stayer.”

Patiently driven by Sailesh Abernethy, Village Rebel stepped away smoothly before settling second last for the journey. With 700m left to travel, Abernethy made his move taking the gelding three wide and making easy work to round up the field and win by five lengths.

“Sailesh drove him exactly as I’d asked and didn’t take anything extra out of him” says Chilcott.

Village Rebel next starts in the Otaki Cup on Thursday with a 40 metre handicap.

The win was the second of a double for Abernethy who also won Race 2, the Hilton Delegat Painting & Decorating Mobile Pace, with the Doug Gale trained Cote D’Azur.

The gelding enjoyed an economical trip sitting three back on the fence behind leader Sharkntatties, and the trailing Carbon. Upon straightening the gaps opened up allowing Cote D’Azur an inside run up the fence to win by one and three quarter lengths.

Junior Driver Wilson House, who has enjoyed plenty of success in recent months, achieved his 50th winner driving Amelia Rose today. Trained by his father Michael House, it was the mare’s first start for the stable.

“It was great to get the milestone and even better that I got it before Dad” said House “We both started the day on 49 winners but Dad only managed a 2nd in the Amateur Race at Omakau today!”

Grass track racing in the North continues on Thursday with the Kapiti Coast Cup Meeting at Otaki Racecourse.