Matetsi scores for Carston

Riccarton-based trainer Andrew Carston was delighted to be back in the winners’ circle at his home track on Saturday following Matetsi’s win in the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge Rating 65 (2100m).

Matestsi was jockey Kylie Williams’s third winner on Champagne Stakes Day, which was run for the first time on the synthetic surface due to unfavourable weather conditions.

Jumping from barrier three the pair were quick away but following a dual for the lead they ended up outside the leader without cover throughout. Matesti showed grit to run down the leader California Gold to win by a nose.

“This is a horse I leased from Stephen Cole, and he has been really consistent since arriving,” Carston said.

“We’ve had a bit of a frustrating run lately, so it was good to get another win on the board and we have a few horses going nice races so fingers crossed we are away again now.”

Matestsi has now won two of 22 starts and placed on a further three occasions.

“He will stay in the grade so I’m confident he will go on with it from here,” Carston said.

Bred by C C E and J W Thompson he is by Rich Hill Stud’s champion sire Proisir out of the Zabeel mare Sheema.

Click here to watch a replay of the race.