Cambridge horseman Shaun Phelan took two horses to New Plymouth on Saturday and they did him proud by providing the quinella in the second race on the card, the Signright Open (1800m).
Noted front-runner Hit The Road Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry) showed all his fighting qualities as he defied the challenge of stablemate and little sister Enchanted Elle (NZ) (Jakkalberry) after the pair went head-to-head from the 600m, with rider Elen Nicholas and Hit The Road Jack securing family bragging rights by half a neck at the line.
Phelan was delighted with final result as the seven-year-old, who Phelan owns a share in amongst a large group of connections, registered his seventh career success and took his earnings past the $227,000 mark.
“That was a huge thrill,” Phelan said.
“I think the track being on the Heavy side probably suited Jack but his sister gave him a decent battle.
“She (Enchanted Elle) needs it a little better underfoot and may have been one run short, whereas as he (Hit The Road Jack) likes it wet and when he has had a freshen up.
“He has been spending a lot of time on the water treadmill at Lyndhurst Farm since he came back from his races at Riccarton in August and that has really helped him in his training.
“They were well weighed with the apprentice claims and it was a good ride by both Elen and Toni (Davies on Enchanted Elle).
“He has won seven races now and Elen has ridden him for each of those wins.”
Hit The Road Jack holds a nomination for the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings on 14 October, although Phelan admits that could well be a step too far.
“We might be dreaming about the Livamol, but if the field dropped away and the track got wet then he could take his place there,” he said.
“We’ll find another race for him before then and then see how it all pans out.
“Enchanted Elle has an open 2000m at Hastings on 30 September as her next option and as long as the track has some give in it I think she will be a good chance.”
Bred by Novara Park Stud principal Luigi Muollo under his Explosive Breeding banner, Hit The Road Jack is by the stud’s late stallion Jakkalberry, a noted stamina influence.
The chestnut gelding is out of the ten-race winner Ististar (NZ) (Istidaad) who numbered the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) amongst her four stakes victories.
Phelan will also line up last start winner Hill Of Kings (NZ) (Time Test) at Te Rapa on Sunday, on a day where he would normally be riding in one or both of the feature jumping races programmed, the Peter Kelly-Bayleys Great Northern Hurdle (4200m) and the Ben & Ryan Foote Racing Great Northern Steeplechase (6400m).
“I decided after I had the injury that has kept me out of the saddle to have a good break and didn’t want to push it to just come back for one or two rides,” Phelan said.
“I want to let the body come right and will most likely have another go next season.
“Of course, I will be cheering for The Cossack in the big chase as he is something special and deserves a win in the race.”
Phelan has partnered pre-post favourite The Cossack (NZ) (Mastercraftsman) ($1.90) to six of his 17 career wins including victories in major hurdle events such as the 2021 Great Northern Hurdle (4200m) and the Grand National Hurdles 4200m) in the same year.
