There wasn’t $10 million at stake, but the result was just as nail-biting for Everest-winning trainer Peter Snowden.
Four days after stable star Redzel won the world’s richest race on turf, Snowden and his son Paul continued their winning streak when Star Of Africa scored in a photo-finish for jockey Blake Shinn at Canterbury on Wednesday.
“Gee, that was close. He was lucky to hang on. The second horse finished hard,” Snowden said.
“I thought Blake rode him particularly well and gave him every chance.”
Saturday races are on the radar for the three-year-old colt who made it two wins from as many starts.
Snowden said he considered running Star Of Africa at Randwick on Saturday before opting for Wednesday’s easier race.
“I just thought maybe it was one run too early for him but I do believe he’ll get to that sort of level,” Snowden said.
“It’s all part of learning and he’s definitely got talent and let’s hope we can go a bit further.”
The finish had owners and trainers stumped until the judge gave it to Star Of Africa by a nose over Ruthless Agent.
But Shinn knew all along Star of Africa had won.
“The second horse challenged me probably 50 metres out … when that second horse challenged, he responded,” Shinn said.
“We met some tough, seasoned horses here today but he did a great job.
“He’s got plenty of ability … it’s just that ringcraft that’s not there yet.
“But Peter places his horses nicely to learn and I’m sure each run he gets, he’ll just get better and better.”
Star Of Africa made a winning debut at Warwick Farm last month.
