Lindsay Park has notched its 50th metropolitan winner for the season with the debut win of Aidensfield at Caulfield.
The stable, operated by David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig, lead Ciaron Maher and David Eustace on the Victorian metropolitan trainers’ premiership but trail that operation on the state title.
Maher and Eustace also lead national honours, ahead of Chris Waller and Lindsay Park.
Ben Hayes said after Saturday’s victory in the Noel Rundle Handicap (1200m) that notching the half-century of winners in Melbourne came down to a lot of hard work from the entire Lindsay Park staff.
Ridden by Daniel Stackhouse, Aidensfield scored a comfortable 1-1/4 length victory from Out Of Isolation with the short-priced favourite National Choice a further two lengths off third.
Hayes said Aidensfield had a delayed start to her career after being in and out of work because of shin soreness.
“She’s always shown ability but we haven’t been able to get at her,” Hayes said.
“She’s just been a bit immature in her shins, She’s been in and out a couple of times but we’ve managed to get her to the races today.
“Her build up to the race was excellent. It was great to see her do it today and on soft ground but she’ll be better on top of the ground.”
Hayes said there was no immediate plans for Aidensfield and the stable would monitor her recovery.
“There might be one more run in her or we might tuck her away for the spring,” he said.
