Michelle drives Monahro to Victory
“Monahro” was not competing in the Bathurst 1000 for supercars but instead in a Thoroughbred race at Seymour on Wednesday. Under the steering of Michelle Payne, the son of Lonhro went into top gear as he overhauled the leaders to record a home town victory in the “Parker Bros Earthmoving Handicap” over 1400m.
The lightly raced 4YO gelding from our former handy racemare “Fairessa”was resuming for the first time since December 2014. With a few quirky traits the intention was to ride him somewhere on pace but in the pre mounting yard discussion, Michelle requested to ride him her way as she has had alot of success on his half-sister “Bec Said No Credit” and knew the family history. Her way proved right even though there were plenty of anxious moments when the pair were still near last approching the home turn. However all doubts were soon erased after a terrific turn of acceleration by the gelding had the race in his keeping over the final stages for a soft win on the line.
Similar to his mother, Fairessa, he has been a challenge to the Co-Trainers and is still a work in progress. Plagued by immaturity issues early in his career, he is still learning his craft and as Michelle commented post race “He is still a big baby with alot of upside”. Hopefully he will continue to progress and reward his patient owners over the Winter racing period.
Purchased from the Inglis Premier Sale as a yearling, Monahro is raced by many long time stable clients. Headed by “Allan Birrell” who also raced and part-owned Fairessa,” Peter & Pat McMahon, Mark Adams, Andrew Scannell, Andy & Richard McGillivray, Dr Maxine Brain from Kilmore Equine Clinic, Steve Brain, Rick Maloney, Wayne & Barbara Harris, Doug Cook and Dick Ferguson”.
Pictured in the Seymour Winners room – “Steve & Mitch Brain”
We congratulate all his Owners with a special thanks to part-owner“Maxine Brain” for looking after the horse during his extended times away and for never loosing faith!
“Monahro” pictured with his No. 1 fan, Mikela Hudson and fittingly her first winner as a strapper.
“Hope Racing”