Grand Express scored his overdue maiden victory on Monday when winning the Vernon & Vazey (1100m) at Greymouth.
Trainer Andrew Carston was pleased to see the five-year-old gelding rewarded with the victory after running in the money at his three previous starts.
“He raced well. He jumped good and relaxed nicely then quickened and fought hard in the end,” Carston said. “To be fair to the horse he deserved to win a race.
“I’ve had him for 12 starts now and he has had seven other placings for me. I knew he would win one, it was just a matter of getting it done and he has some patient owners.”
The son of Shamexpress jumped smartly on Monday and dictated the pace throughout. He was challenged on the straight but under the urgings of jockey Jacob Lowry, held off his rivals to win by a half head.
Grand Express has a large group of owners that includes former trainer Brian Court.
“Brian has taken a backward step and given me some horses to train so it was really good to get a win for him,” Carston said. “It is my first winner for Brian and his team so that was good.”
Grand Express will now head to Reefton on Thursday and back up in the Westland Racing Club (1020m) with Lowry booked to ride again.
“Hopefully his win will give him a bit of confidence and he can go on from here,” Carston said. “He has been knocking on the door so it was good to get the result.”
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