Trainer Mick Nolan and jockey Luke Nolen joked post-race who had the correct surname after they combined to land a winner at Sandown.
Lightly raced Stylish Secret (NZ) (Sweet Orange) took out the Thoroughbred Club Of Australia Plate (1500m) on Wednesday to give trainer Nolan his second city success.
Nolan was the longtime foreman for Mick Price at Caulfield, but when Michael Kent Jnr joined Price in a training partnership, Nolan decided to branch out on his own.
Having one previous city win to his name previously – Grand Touraine at Moonee Valley in November last year – Nolan said it was exciting to land a long-priced winner at Sandown.
Stylish Secret ($17) scored by a neck from Khabalov ($5) with Pammukale ($101) a neck away third.
Ironically, the runner-up was prepared by the Price and Kent Jnr team.
Nolan said he was surprised with the initial opening price of Stylish Secret.
“Sportsbet put up $71, so the bloke that did that doesn’t watch his videos too closely,” Nolan said.
“He’s a good little horse. He’s not very big and I’ve kept telling all the boys, a few of them have football backgrounds, that he is a little ‘Tommy Hafey’, and since day one he’s been a little racehorse, easy to train.”
Stylish Secret had been ridden in his first two starts by 4kg claiming apprentice Nadia Daniels who Nolan said had done most of the work.
Nolan added Stylish Secret would also appreciate stepping out further in trip.
“He’s by staying sire, so he’ll get a bit more ground yet,” Nolan said.
“It’s a great thrill and it’s great to have Lukey on as well. He’s a champion bloke.
“I know he has the same last name, but the spelling is wrong, but I’m only too happy to have him on.”
Nolan and Nolen may not have worked closely together when they were based at Caulfield, Nolan for Price and Nolen with Peter Moody.
But they got on well and Nolen said it was a pleasure to finally get a winner across the line.
“I’ve had few rides for him, without winning, but they’ve all run well and it’s good to get one over the line for him,” Nolen said.
“He’s the backbone character that we build this industry on, so it’s a special privilege to be able to win races for a bloke like Mick.”
