Written by Paul Vettise
Mark Oulaghan’s unshakeable confidence in Shadows Cast (NZ) (Per Incanto) was repaid with racing's highest prize when the gallant chestnut claimed a Group 1 scalp at Trentham.
The Awapuni trainer has always had the greatest of faith in the now 6-year-old and a combination of his conditioning skills and the gelding’s quality produced a memorable victory in the Harcourts Thorndon Mile.
Oulaghan, who trained Who Shot Thebarman (NZ) (Yamanin Vital {NZ}) to win a G1 Auckland Cup before the stayer was relocated to Sydney, has long got the best out of his horses on a minimum of lead-up racing and so canny at successfully executing long-term plans.
“I have always thought in the right race and under the right conditions that he could win a Group 1 race.” – Mark Oulaghan.
“I have always thought in the right race and under the right conditions that he could win a Group 1 race,” he said.
“Earlier in his career he was a bit erratic as a racehorse, but with time he has grown up and matured and he does things right.”
Shadows Cast had won the G2 Manawatu Challenge S. at his previous start prior to Christmas and that victory had Oulaghan in a bullish pre-race mood on Saturday.
“I thought that was the best win of his career and he’s gone and followed it up.” – Mark Oulaghan.
“I thought that was the best win of his career and he’s gone and followed it up,” he said.
Oulaghan isn’t in any rush to get Shadows Cast back to the races, but already has a programme in place.
“We’ll look at running him in the weight-for-age race at Otaki (Haunui Farm WFA Classic). That’s a month or so away, but he always goes his best when his races are well spaced.”
The Ron Cunningham-owned Shadows Cast had an early hurdle to clear when he jumped from a wide barrier, but he was quickly into stride to sit outside the leader and he was in front on straightening.
“It was a fantastic run. It’s a long way down that Trentham straight and he stuck to it really well.” - Mark Oulaghan.
“It was a fantastic run. It’s a long way down that Trentham straight and he stuck to it really well,” Oulaghan said.
Shadows Cast
“It’s great to train one this good for Ron. I’ve had a few for him in the past and a few average ones to be fair so it’s great to turn it around.”
For Cunningham, the win was extra special as for many years he trained a small team of horses at Trentham.
“I’ve had some nice horses, but nothing can beat a Group 1.” - Ron Cunningham.
“I’ve had some nice horses, but nothing can beat a Group 1,” Cunningham said.
“I rated his chances quite highly. Darryl Bradley rode him in a trial on Tuesday and I talked to him after and that gave me a lot of confidence.
“I’d just like to thank Mark, he’s a wonderful guy and a wonderful trainer.”
Trainer, Mark Oulaghan
Jockey Jason Waddell also played his part supremely well and said Shadows Cast was always travelling comfortably.
“He came out of the gates like a rabbit and I knew The Mitigator would lead so I sat outside him.” – Jason Waddell.
“He came out of the gates like a rabbit and I knew The Mitigator would lead so I sat outside him.”
“I probably went a bit early, but I wanted them to chase me and he gave a good kick. He was pretty strong to the line.”
Wyndspelle (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}), who was in receipt of three kilos from the winner, finished the race off well but never looked likely to overhaul Shadows Cast and last year’s runner-up Watch This Space (NZ) (Elusive City {USA}) was third.
Dark Princess (NZ) (Cape Blanco {IRE}) took fourth money ahead of the favourite More Wonder (NZ) (Mossman). The 3-year-old gave away lengths with a poor beginning and he did well to finish as close as he did.
