Lightweight runner Mali Ston (NZ) (El Roca) produced a performance that had to be seen to be believed when he weaved through traffic to take out the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) at Ellerslie.
In a race that was marred by the breakdown and fall of race favourite Gold Watch (NZ) (Swiss Ace), Mali Ston defied a chequered passage early in the home straight to collar Mai Tai (NZ) (Atlante) in the shadows of the post for trainer Darryn Weatherley and his son Sam, who was aboard the El Roca four-year-old.
Just as father and son were celebrating the victory the siren sounded with a protest lodged alleging interference to the runner-up in the final 100m. After lengthy deliberations the placings stood, setting off jubilant scenes amongst the ownership group, the Matijasevich family, who bred and race Mali Ston under their Markwood Lodge banner.
For Darryn Weatherley it was a dream come true as he sang the praises of his stable champ, who has now provided him with his first stakes winner as a trainer after he rode six during an 18-year career in the saddle.
“That was a super result, but he is a very good horse,” Weatherley said.
“He’s probably better than what I thought actually.
“I saw him rolling into it across the top and I know he has an electrifying sprint and knows where the winning post is, so I thought if he could just get a split.
“I would have been happy with running fifth to be fair, but there were a few tears and plenty of yelling in the stand, so I think there will be a few in Matamata kicking up their heels tonight.”
Sam Weatherley was holding back the tears as he explained just what the win meant to him and his family.
“This is my biggest thrill in racing and I’m just so pleased for the family and the owners who have entrusted Dad with the horse,” he said.
“What a little ripper he is and when he got to the front, he pricked his ears and tried to throw it away.
“I really think he could be a top liner in New Zealand going forward.
“I’m absolutely over the moon and might be rocking up to Tauranga (racemeeting) tomorrow with a bit of a headache.”
Mali Ston, who is out of the Black Minnaloushe mare Loviste (NZ) and a younger half-brother to six race winner Nasha Riva (NZ) (Shocking), has now won six of his eight starts and over $217,000 in prizemoney.
In a tragic aftermath to the race, Gold Watch, who is prepared by 90-year-old trainer Cliff Goss, was humanely euthanized after suffering a leg injury 300m from the finish.
Rider Danielle Johnson was thrown heavily to the track during the incident and was transported to hospital with a suspected broken lower leg.
