Le Romain has spoiled birthday celebrations for trainer Chris Waller by beating glamour colt Press Statement in the Randwick Guineas.
Press Statement was the $1.30 favourite for Saturday’s feature mile with all other runners at double figures.
Le Romain
While Hugh Bowman was trying to slot into a position on Press Statement, Christian Reith made sure he was in the right place to make his move on the Kris Lees-trained three-year-old in the straight.
By the time Press Statement got out, Le Romain ($21) had a winning break and held on to win by a short neck in a result that brought the emotions to the surface for the popular jockey who has found it tough re-establishing himself after a stint in Hong Kong.
“It has been a bit of a tough twelve months,” Reith said.
“My old man isn’t doing too good and ever since we got back from Hong Kong it has been hard getting decent rides.
“This shows that when I get a decent ride, I can get the job done.
“I knew where Press Statement was and I knew once I let go, I had to go quick.
“He (Le Romain) is a tough horse and he has got a lot of improvement.
“Even though he has won a Group One today, he is still learning.”
Lees has always had a good opinion of Le Romain but also had the Provincial Championships as a back-up because he would still have qualified with just two wins to his name before Saturday.
“I guess we’ve got to go to the Doncaster instead,” Lees said.
“It’s a great thrill. He’s kept handling every step that we’ve put in front of him.
“He’s raised the bar every time. Christian was able to make his move at a vital stage.
“It’s a bloody long straight but it was good to see him get home.”
Bowman was naturally disappointed.
“He probably should have won, but I’ll take nothing away from the winner,” he said.
The Bjorn Baker-trained Gold Ambition ($81) was an eye-catching third in the race as he continues his path to the ATC Australian Derby while Stay With Me, the only filly in the race, finished fourth.
