Talented three-year-old The Irishman (NZ) (Tavistock) made a winning start for new trainer Mark Newnham when successful over 1400m at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
The Irishman had three starts in New Zealand for former trainer Tony Pike, for whom he won on debut at Avondale in September and finished runner-up in the Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day in his last start in his homeland.
Ridden by apprentice Tom Sherry, The Irishman came from midfield in a moderately run affair to prevail by a nose from the fast-finishing Saigon.
“Tommy gave him a really nice ride. I didn’t give him any instructions other than to have him comfortable. They didn’t go a good gallop so he travelled nicely between them and he is a horse that is bred to get over ground,” Newnham said.
“I was lucky for him to come my way. Anthony Fan of Hong Kong Bloodstock, who bought Shadow Hero, produced him for me and I am pleased that we have got a result for them first time out.
“He will probably go to the Phar Lap Stakes (Gr.2, 1500m), even though it is only 10 days away. He is a nice horse.”
Beyond the autumn carnival, The Irishman is likely to do his future racing in Hong Kong.
Also impressive at Warwick Farm on Wednesday was Per Incanto four-year-old Lost And Running (NZ) who remains undefeated in three starts and will likely step out again on March 24 at Warwick Farm over 1100m.
