Smart sprinter Splintex has earned a winter carnival berth after he returned to the winner’s list at Randwick.
Splintex has posted a fitting win for owner and war veteran Geoff Grimish on the eve of Anzac Day, taking out the Hall Mark Stakes at Randwick.
Grimish served in the Vietnam war and like all his horses, Splintex has a military-related moniker, being named after the splintex shrapnel shells used by Australians during the Battle Of Coral.
Winning trainer Mark Newnham was thrilled the entire could notch the poignant victory.
“It’s really good to get a win today, especially for Geoff and Mary Grimish. Anzac Day means a lot to Geoff and on the eve of Anzac Day, it’s a really important win for Geoff,” Newnham said.
Splintex ($4.60 fav) appreciated a significant drop in grade to post his first victory since last year’s autumn carnival.
He relaxed outside leader Easy Eddie and sprinted to the front in the straight, holding on to defeat Ranier ($17) by a half-length with Victorem ($12) doing his best work late for third.
Newnham said the horse had been performing well without winning and found his right race at Randwick on Saturday.
“He has just run in a few races that he hasn’t had much luck in, or they’ve been at Group One level and he’s just fallen a little bit short,” Newham said.
“But his two runs this time in have been good enough. He didn’t have a lot of luck first up and then he drew the outside in the Galaxy and 1100 at Rosehill, it doesn’t give you much chance when you draw out there.”
Newnham confirmed Splintex would head to Brisbane for one of the feature sprint races during the winter carnival.
