After a frustrating run of placings the ever consistent, “Cameron Falls (NZ)” finally broke through to record his first victory at Geelong on Thursday in the “Super Saturday Racing January 4” Maiden Plate over 1400m. Ridden by Billy Egan and under strict instructions to ride the Sacred Falls gelding off the pace with cover, the gelding naturally began well from barrier 7 and he was able to restrain the gelding to settle in a perfect mid-field position. Courtesy of a strong tempo throughout the race allowed the gelding to switch off nicely in transit before being asked for an effort turning into the home straight. Quickly gathering in his rivals to hit the lead, he had to fight off a late challenger to give all his Owners some heart stopping moments before the judge found a margin of 0.06L on the line to rule in his favour from the fast finishing Scintillante ridden by Blake Shinn!
The victory by the 4YO ended a long and frustraing run for connections after suffering what could have been a career ending injury when he slid into a fence post whilst spelling resulting in a chipped hip joint. A long period on the side lines and plenty of rehabilitation work to regain proper use and build muscle wastage in the area made the win more rewarding especially for the team behind the scenes. An expensive purchase from the 2022 NZ Ready to Run Sale, the aptly named “Cameron Falls” by Sacred Falls from Dam, Pink Bubble was named after the waterfall in Waterton Lakes Natonal Park in Alberta, Canada where an unique phenomenon occurs and the waterfall turns pink.
Raced by a large group of Owners, headed by Peter Dwyer, along with Kevin and Sue Davey, Tony Buckley, Ronald and Sharie Bannear all pictured on course to celebrate the win. Sharing in the Ownership group are Doug and Gloria Weston, Val and John Little, Garry Crole, Jennifer Coe, Nina Shalalo, Bob McIntyre, Neil Duncan, John Darmody, Joe Pollio,Peter Zeccola, Dave Wilson, Macedon Lodge – Margie & Grant Sheldon, Peter O’Dea, Carol Shinn and the Golden Hoofs Syndicate (Scott McKelvie, Craig Richardson & Ryan Shinn)
Let’s hope we do not have to wait for too long for another victory and on behalf of Hope Racing we congratulate all his Owners.