Chris Heywood and his stable will be off to Randwick on April 2 to contest the final of the Country Championships. Heywood claimed second place today in the Wagga heat after a 3rd place in 2015.
His runner was an emergency for the Final last year however his stable went one better by qualifying Mitchell Road for the $400,000 final.
Heywood had 3 runners in the field today, however it was Mitchell Road who looked the best and was at the front of the field for the majority of the 1400m race.
Just a Bullet and Mitchell Road jumped well with eventual winner Steakandbernaise in hot pursuit in 4th place for the majority of the race.
At the 400 metre mark they started to bunch up at the turn with Mitchell Road taking the lead with 100 metres to go. With just 25 metres to go the 5 year old gelding by Magnus out of Dancing Starklet was ground down by the Brett Cavanough trained Steakandbernaise, the 6 year old gelding by Thorn Park out of Viviane coming late over the final few strides. Both horses will now beheading to Randwick to chase the giant purse.
Heywood previously told the Twin Town Times “Mitchell Road has been enormous this preparation i’m hoping he will run out the 1400. He’s just been going so well he warrants a chance in the race.’’
He has been vindicated by his decision to run the horse which race caller Alan Hull describing the run as ‘very game’ at the conclusion of the race.
The wide barriers suited the first and second place horses who jumped from 18 for Cavanough and 14 for Heywood. It was a day to remember for apprentices with Miss Kayla Nisbet guiding Steakandbearnaise home and new apprentice for Heywood Racing, Miss Lily Coombe getting Mitchell Road home second. Connections will now celebrate with $20,000 for today’s efforts
Nick Heywood finished in 5th place on High Opinion just 3.2 lengths off the winner. Connections will celebrate with $20,000 for their efforts
