Maiden Flemington winner up for Jason Petch Racing!
Popular Mornington horseman Jason Petch celebrated a career highlight when Weekend Special won today’s $80,000 Aspen Handicap.
The Mark Kavanagh discard provided Petch with his first Flemington winner when he relished the heavy track to comfortably account for his rivals in the 1000-metre event.
Petch has previously won races in the city, including Listed Redelva Stakes success with Hooness, since gaining his trainer’s licence almost a decade ago but said it was particularly satisfying to win a race at Flemington.
“I took my licence out nine years ago and I’ve had my city winners, I’ve had my stakes winners, but I’ve never had a winner at Flemington,” Petch said.
“My mum and my brother part-own this horse as well and Adam McCabe (winning rider) is a great mate of mine.
“I enjoyed every minute of it and I’ll enjoy it tonight.”
Weekend Special, who started his career with Mark Kavanagh but has been with Petch since the start of this year, registered his first win for his new trainer when he turned in a dominant display.
After racing just off the speed, the son of Snitzel assumed the lead at the 350m and had the race won 100m from home. The $21 chance scored by 2-1/2 lengths from Henwood ($5.50), who finished a head in advance of Broken ($7.50).
“I’m just so proud of the horse,” Petch said. “He’s a cripple, but we’ve finally worked him out and when it rained today I was pretty happy.”
The full result of the Aspen Handicap is available here
By Brad Bishop – racingvictoria.net.au