Unequivocal has sparked a Golden Slipper dream for trainer Noel Mayfield-Smith after winning at Rosehill and thrusting visiting Irish jockey Padraig Beggy into the spotlight.
The filly finished third on debut in the Inglis Classic two weeks ago but that was not enough to tempt punters who sent her out a $12 chance in the 1200m two-year-old handicap on Saturday.
Unequivocal - Photo by Steve Hart
They stuck solid with $2.10 favourite Delectation who finished second at his first start in December to subsequent Magic Millions winner Unencumbered.
Just when it looked like Delectation was on his way to victory, Beggy asked Unequivocal for a final effort and the filly responded to drive to the line to win by three-quarters of a length.
It was the first metropolitan win in Australia for the much-travelled Beggy who answered an ad from Mayfield-Smith.
“Padraig was riding in Malaysia and I put an ad in the paper for a trackwork rider and he answered it,” Mayfield-Smith said.
“He is a bloody good rider and has ridden all over the world.
“He knows this filly well and she has improved since her first start.
“Like everyone else with a two-year-old there’s only one race we want to go to, the Golden Slipper.
“I’ve only got one two-year-old. In fact I’ve only got ten horses in work so this is pretty special.”
The win was also pretty special for 27-year-old Beggy who has been with the Hawkesbury trainer since April and riding in Australian races since September.
“This is the sixth country I’ve ridden in and it’s a thrill to get my first city winner,” Beggy said.
“I’ve been here since April but it took a while to get my licence.
“I know Hughie (Bowman) which has been a help.
“It’s tough to get ahead in England and Ireland because the top jockeys are riding all over the country.
“It’s also pretty tough in Sydney but there is more racing so there are more opportunities.
“I was so happy the owners kept me on Unequivocal and I hope it’s the first of many wins for her.
“She found another gear and won with a little bit in hand.”
Inglis Classic winner Peggy Jean finished third, 1-3/4 lengths behind Delectation, after making some ground inside the final 200 metres without troubling the leading pair.
