It is an exciting day for any stable when the horse you have picked at the yearling sales makes its race day debut. It is even more exciting to see two of them fighting out the finish, which is what happened on our home track with Royal Exit and Champagne Witness. Both horses had trialled up well and Matthew was confident heading into their maiden runs, but the heavy 10 track was the only query.
Royal Exit started favourite and was able to gain the upper hand taking out the two year old 1100m maiden, with Champagne Witness only 3/4 of a length behind him and a margin back to third. Given a great front running ride by Dean Yendall, the Vancouver gelding jumped ok from barrier four and went forward to take up the lead. On straightening he was 1-2 lengths clear, away from the rail in the better going and was too strong on the line.
Congratulations to the connections of both horses, they look like progressive types that will hopefully continue on through the grades.