The Bjorn Baker-trained Kiss The Bride (NZ) (Savabeel) recorded his second consecutive win in the Gold Coast Turf Club Trophy (2400m), scoring by a half-length after getting the upper-hand in the closing stages over Birth Of Venus and Home Ground.
The win provided jockey Josh Parr with a triumphant return to Sydney racing at Randwick, three months after being sidelined with a debilitating nerve disorder.
The Group One-winning jockey had not ridden in town since May 13 after being diagnosed with brachial neuritis, an uncommon affliction which causes severe pain and loss of nerve function.
Prior to the diagnosis, Parr feared he may not ride again.
Jockey and trainer made it an early double two races later when they combined for a victory with frontrunner Frosty Rocks.
“It’s terrific. I felt so energised when I turned up here at Randwick,” Parr said.
“It’s my favourite racecourse by a long way, it just has such a great feel to it. Obviously, it’s a Group One race day so it’s nice and easy to get up for that.”
“I did hope I could come back and return in winning style very quickly, just to create a bit of momentum because I’ve missed the start on a few of the other guys for the season,” Parr said.
Kiss The Bride has now earned a shot at the Listed Wyong Gold Cup (2100m) on September 4.
“He is really progressive and he just puts in. I thought the 2400 would really suit him today,” Baker said.
Kiss The Bride is the first foal of outstanding racemare I Do who won fifteen races including seven at stakes level with her crowning achievement being a success in the 2014 Gr.1 Makfi Challenge Stakes (1400m) at Hastings. Baker purchased the son of Savabeel for $200,000 from the Waikato Stud draft at the 2017 Premier Yearling Sale at Karaka.
