Perseverance has finally paid off for Hong Kong-based owner Brandon Liu with Takewing claiming an overdue victory at Randwick.
Ridden by Jess Taylor, the seven-year-old prevailed in a bunched finish to Monday’s TAB Handicap (1600m) to give trainer Jason Coyle a welcome launching pad for the remainder of summer.
“We had a quiet December so it’s nice way to start off 2018,” Coyle said.
Takewing, who last won at Warwick Farm in September 2016, has been plagued by injury setbacks but Coyle was confident the $26 chance could defy those odds.
“It wasn’t an overly strong race and the tempo wasn’t going to be ridiculous so he could travel a lot better and finish off the race strongly,” he said.
“He found the right run and it was good to see him strong on the line. He still wants to win a race.”
Takewing ($26) scored by a half head from fast-finishing Napolean ($61) with $1.85 favourite Bastia another head third.
“It’s rewarding to get a city win out of him as a seven-year-old,” Coyle said.
“Brandon has been massively patient just to leave the horse in and let me do want I want with him.”
Jockey Rachel King said Napoleon was unlucky not to win.
“The horse on the inside just rolled out on us which cost us winning,” she said.
“Hopefully it’s the start of a good prep. Jarrod (Austin) has got him spot-on. He was just very unlucky not to win.”
