Jockeys who turn to training can often judge their riders harshly and Pat Hyland is no exception.
But at Caulfield on Saturday Hyland was happy to heap praise on the performance of Queensland apprentice Brad Wallace on his filly Bonaria in The Age Hcp (1200m).
Bonaria winning the The Age Handicap at Caulfield - photo by Race Horse Photos Australia
Bonaria ran away with the race, claiming her second win from 11 starts and one that, according to Hyland, was long overdue.
“I couldn’t get anyone to ride her right,” Hyland said.
“I’ve been trying to get them to ride her back, but she begins very well and they’ve been letting her run too much.”
In contrast, Wallace, the son of Queensland trainer John Wallace, had Bonaria travelling comfortably midfield before producing her for her run at the 300m.
The daughter of Redoute’s Choice found the line strongly, scoring by three lengths from Tranquera who was narrowly in advance of Champagne Shisha.
While Hyland was more than pleased with Wallace’s ride, he only booked the claiming apprentice when weights were raised four kilograms at acceptance time.
“I’d wanted Peter Mertens to ride her but when the weights went up we decided to claim,” he said.
“If these apprentices can claim three kilos there’s not many jockeys who are better than them.”
On a track rated a heavy (8), the leaders, including favourite Glenmaura weakened quickly, finishing near the rear.
