Trainer Andrew Carston was credited with his first winner for 2022 when O’Jessica was successful in the Go Racing Buying @ Magic Millions This Month (1100m) at the Greymouth Jockey Club’s meeting at Omoto on Monday.
Ridden by Chris Johnson, O’Jessica jumped smartly and fought Gas Monkey for the lead. Hugging the rail Johnson kept the pressure on and cruised past Gas Monkey, putting a gap on their rivals in the straight to win by a comfortable three lengths.
The daughter of Deep Field joined the Riccarton stable in the later half of 2021 after her previous trainer Stephen McKee retired from the training ranks and has now had three starts from her southern base.
McKee remains in the ownership that also includes successful businessman Barry Rissetto.
“It was a very good win by a very fast mare,” Carston said. “She is still improving so there are plenty of positives to be taken from today’s effort.
“I’m very happy to get the win for Stephen, Barry and her new ownership group.”
Carston was also pleased with the effort from Go Racing’s Severine who went down a nose in the Westland Racing Club Miss Scenicland Stakes (1500m).
“Severine was very brave and got beaten by a small margin,” he said. “It’s nice to have her back in form and I’m very happy with that performance.”
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