The stars aligned for “Dashing Declan” at Seymour on Thursday when everything fell into place and he finally broke through to record his first win. Lining up for start No 23, the rain came early in the morning for the gorgeous grey and he relished the softer track conditions to dash away for a convincing victory in the Great Northern Maiden Plate by 2.25L. Ridden by Tahlia Hope, owned by Dee Hope and trained by Lee & Shannon made it a real family affair for the local team.
Shannon identified Dashing Declan nearly a year ago and purchased the horse for the purpose to give Tahlia rides. At his first start for the stable he repaid his purchase price when placed second behind his stablemate Small Town Honey at Seymour. The 6YO gelding has now had 10 starts for the stable for a win and 3 minor placings to take his earnings to $31,780.
There are no immediate plans or big aspirations for the son of Niello and instead the stable will source a similar race in the coming weeks before the horse has a well earned break to prepare for a Winter campaign.
