Wesley Vale-trained speedster I’m Wesley joined a select group of dual Newmarket Handicap winners when he led most of the way in Tasmania’s premier sprint at Mowbray on Wednesday night.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
He is only the fourth horse in the past 50 years to win the race two years in a row, joining Majestic Master, Private Enterprise and Hellova Street.
Jockey Brendon McCoull rolled the dice early on I’m Wesley by deciding to lead and, despite being pressured all the way, the six-year-old kicked clear in the straight to score by a 1-¼ lengths from Gee Gee Lanett with Scrutineer a long head away third.
Trainer Glenn Stevenson said it wasn’t a set plan to lead and McCoull had made the decision himself.
“That’s why he has been a top jockey for so long,” Stevenson said.
“Raquel Clark also rode the horse a treat last year and would have ridden him again but for getting suspended (in South Australia).
“It’s handy when you can get B McCoull as a replacement.”
It was only McCoull’s second Newmarket success, following a win on Black N Tough in 2013.
Stevenson said he had been confident I’m Wesley was going well enough to go back-to-back.
“I was only worried about the rain,” he said.
As it turned out, the track was upgraded to a soft 5 after a sunny afternoon.
“It’s good for the horse to have won again because, although he’s raced well on the mainland, he never had success,” Stevenson said.
“I’ve got to give credit to David Keating who suggested we put a tongue tie on the horse.
“Froggy (Newitt) then galloped him with a tongue tie on and he was went really well.”
Stevenson also paid tribute his wife and daughters for their help.
“The horse is raced by a bunch of good people which makes all his wins more special,” the trainer said.
“Without the support of one of his owners, Bronwyn Perry, I probably wouldn’t be training today.”
I’m Wesley started a heavily-backed favourite, firming from $2.60 to $2.25 with Ubet fixed-odds.
PAST THE POST column from Mowbray: Page 33