The Cunning Fox (NZ) (Reliable Man) and Tom Ryan have prevailed in a stirring Galleywood Hurdle at Warrnambool on Wednesday, securing the talented hurdler’s fifth-consecutive jumps win and first feature.
In what would also prove to be Patrick and Michelle Payne’s first May Racing Carnival feature win together, The Cunning Fox ($2.90) was given a patient ride by Ryan, as Stern Idol ($3.20) set his usual strong gallop under replacement rider Fergus Gregory.
Ryan moved the striking grey into the race down the side and it was race on over the last, with Stern Idol, Affluential (NZ) (Zed) ($2.20) and roughie Right Now (NZ) (Wrote) ($19) all also real chances.
But The Cunning Fox, despite racing a touch waywardly, was too tough late, maintaining his unbeaten jumps status with a huge closing effort.
“It was a fantastic version of the Galleywood,” said stable representative Neil Greaves.
“We have a lot of confidence in The Cunning Fox, but we weren’t that sure he was going to be good enough to beat Affluential and Stern Idol and the rest of the field was pretty solid as well.
“So it’s a great thrill for everybody, Joe O’Neill’s here with his large group of owners out there, some have come from as far away as Sydney.”
After joining her sibling in a training partnership last September, Michelle Payne scored her first ‘Bool jumps winner with Sing For Peace on Tuesday and has wasted no time picking up one of the main events.
For Patrick Payne, it was his first Galleywood triumph and completed his collection of Warrnambool jumps features, having won the Brierly in 2017 with Zed Em (NZ) (Zed) and the Grand Annual an incredible four times, with Awakening Dream (2012), Chaparro (2014), No Song No Supper (2016) and Zed Em (2019).
“I’m sure for Patrick and Michelle, this will be a real feather in their cap,” Greaves said.
“Those who have been coming every year know Patrick’s been a master trainer full stop, but a master trainer of jumps horses, this is just another example of that.”
