Champion New Zealand apprentice Rory Hutchings has walked away from Randwick with a win and a suspension.
The 20-year-old, who has an unassailable lead in his third apprentices’ championship across the Tasman, is in Sydney hoping to gain a foothold for the future.
His win on Saturday came on another newcomer to Sydney, New Zealand stayer Sir Mako who has joined the Chris Waller stable.
The gelding scored a three-quarter length win in the 2000m benchmark 78 in the colours of Melbourne and Sydney Cup placegetter Who Shot Thebarman.
But it was Hutchings’ actions at the 200m which caused concern when he moved the horse into a run stewards said was not there, causing interference to several other horses.
Stewards acknowledged there were contributing factors and Hutchings will serve a week after next Saturday.
Waller’s representative Peter Muscutt said he was unsure what the next step would be for Sir Mako.
“He is a typical tough, kiwi stayer and has settled in really well,” Muscutt said.
“He is not unlike Who Shot Thebarman and has a great temperament.
“I’m not sure what Chris has in mind. It’s no man’s land at this time of year to keep going or back off and get ready for the spring.”
