It felt as if the stars aligned for Berkeley Square to win the Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) with local trainer Dan O’Sullivan re-uniting with stable apprentice Jaylah Kennedy to take their hometown Cup.
Kennedy, who had ridden Berkeley Square in his first six runs this campaign, including two wins at open level, wasn’t aboard last week in the Group 2 Zipping Classic (2400m) but delivered a perfect ride aboard the $6 betting sites chance to deny Lady In Pink ($12) by a short neck with Globe ($13) just a head away in third.
Berkeley Square had raced seven times this campaign, winning twice and placing at Group level in his past four but said he backed himself and the horse to turn around seven days later and perform to his best.
“Just bloody brilliant. For lots of reasons, just for the horse, for Jaylah. A lot of support here today. We backed the horse, we backed ourselves, we backed him up. And he got the job done,” O’Sullivan said.
“He’s a machine. He’s sound. He tries every time. Doesn’t look like he’s going fast but he’s got a massive stride on him. And a big thrill for my team back home. All the team at home, they do all the hard work… he’s a big horse, a bit clumsy at times, and this girl’s done a great job riding work.”
It was Kennedy’s first win at Group or Listed level and the young apprentice was delighted post-race to score aboard her favourite horse who she has built a strong association with.
“I couldn’t believe it, to be honest. I’m just so lucky to be in the position that I am, and this horse. This horse has taken me on such a journey over the spring,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy executed her plan to perfection, able to stay off the fence from barrier two and pick her way through the field, with an animated fist pump as she crossed the line signifying the meaning of the win.
“When I wanted him to come back, he’d come straight back to me, and that’s what he did, and from then on, we followed the right horses. The gap opened up. And God, he’s just so good over 2,000,” Kennedy said.
He’s just so easy to deal with at home. He’s got the biggest personality… he’s very cuddly. I just love him. He’s like a big teddy bear.”
