Dubbo-trained Elson Boy (NZ) (El Roca) was back in the winner’s circle after a 412-day absence when leading throughout to land the Jockeys Celebration Day Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill in the hands of apprentice William Stanley.
Prepared by Dar Lunn, the six-year-old son of El Roca relished the testing conditions and pushed forward under Stanley.
Challenged mid-stretch by well-supported favourite Captain Furai (Toronado), Elson Boy showed the benefit of recent racing as he repelled the threat of the fresh-up rival to score comfortably.
A drenched Lunn had the biggest smile on course and will now plot a path to the A$2 million The Kosciuszko (1200m) on October 18, a race the gelding finished ninth in last year.
“He was up there on the outside and was probably three and four deep until he crossed at the top of the corner. When he got across he travelled and I thought ‘he will be hard to beat from here’ because of the conditions,” Lunn said.
With ten career wins from 31 starts, Elson Boy has amassed A$501,675 in prizemoney for his connections.
Prior to his run of outs, Elson Boy had won six races in succession where Lunn said he enjoyed a dog-fight.
“That’s what he did when he won his six straight,” Lunn said. “He is the type of horse that is in for the fight and he is a better horse deep into his preparation.
“He also loves a Heavy track.
“I did wonder after his first couple of starts this prep whether he would come back, but he’s going to be right from here.”
Bred by Mark and Lorraine Forbes of Kiltannon Stables, Elson Boy is by Westbury Stud stallion El Roca and is out of the Pour Moi mare Caramia. Elson Boy was sold in Book 2 of the 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales, where he was bought for $20,000.
Elson Boy never had a start for now Hong Kong based Mark Newnham and was subsequently sold online for $6000, where he was purchased by racing enthusiast Guy Mitchell, who races him in partnership with Rob Pratten, who has an automotive mechanical business in Dubbo.
