Ask any thoroughbred owner and they’ll tell you it’s hard to win even one race. The Joe Pride-trained Headley Grange ($10) has now won five in the space of a preparation, to make it 11 from 22 overall.
The son of Exosphere overcame a horror draw to take out the rich $1.5 million Alan Brown Stakes by half a length over race favourite Gringotts ($3.30F), with General Salute ($8.50) 3/4 of a length back in third place.
Perfectly ridden by in-form hoop Adam Hyeronimus, the five-year-old displayed a blistering turn of foot to overcome his rivals, despite racing wide throughout the seven-furlong affair.
“It’s pretty amazing, he’s done an incredible job this horse the last sort of six months, he’s exceeded all expectations,” Pride said.
“Beating a Group 1 winner here at the track and distance in Gringotts is a pretty fair effort.
“He really is bombproof.”
Rider Hyeronimus was grateful for his association with his mount and was full of praise for his trainer.
“I think I first rode him in January this year, and it’s now my sixth win on him,” Hyeronimus said.
“We’ve won a few stakes races now, he just keeps delivering.
“He came through the grades through the benchmark system. Joe did a great job bringing him through and using each race as a stepping stone.
“He just keeps improving, especially since going to Stakes company.”
As to what’s next for the in-form gelding, Pride has a feature race in mind.
“The Big Dance is next on the agenda,” Pride said.
“He’s obviously starting to creep up there in the weights, but it didn’t seem to worry him today, nor the barrier.
“I don’t think it’s a problem for him, I think his best distance is around the mile.”
Headley Grange has since rocketed to $4 favourite for The Big Dance which is set to be held at Royal Randwick on Melbourne Cup day.
