Cordero has given George Cloros a heartwarming boost at Randwick, as the prolific owner and breeder reflected on a relationship that has stood the test of time.
The 76-year-old was emotional as the progressive stayer returned to the winners’ stall after recording back-to-back wins over 2400m.
“I lost my wife Kay a couple of years ago. We were together from 17 to 73 so it’s a real jolt,” Cloros said.
“Even though I’ve got family and all that sort of thing, I miss her so much.
“Everything’s good though, when there’s a day like this.”
Cloros was a toddler when his father Bill had runners with trainer Peter Lawson during World War II and the thrill of racing has passed down the generations.
“Dad had Field Boy back in the 50s and we’re here today celebrating wins. You wouldn’t give it away,” he said.
“We’ve always handy horses, Coco Cobanna, Pops Dream …. then we get to the new ones coming through like this one.”
The Hawkes Racing-trained four-year-old was ridden patiently by Jay Ford and finished off impressively to claim the TAB Handicap by a length from Waking Moment ($7).
“We’ve had good stayers in the past, Coco Cobanna was a beauty and this one has just jumped out of the ground,” Cloros said.
Cordero, the $4.60 favourite, has now won three consecutive races.
“I let him do his own thing out the back. It was a good gallop throughout which made it a a true staying test, and that’s what this fella is,” Ford said.
“It was a very dominant win in the end.”
