Skateboard Dazzles On Debut

 

Skateboard sent tongues wagging at Goulburn today when he won the Lord of the Manor @ Piplyn Maiden (1000m).

While Goulburn winners on a Monday usually don’t attract the attention of most thoroughbred followers, Skateboard did – as he careered away on debut to win by a staggering seven lengths.

The three-year-old gelding is a son of Dubleo – the Vinery Stud based sire of recent Flemington stakes winner Dubleanny.

Skateboard was purchased by renowned Sydney syndicator Jamie Walter and is trained by his brother Guy.

“He was in one of the last drafts of Andrew Bowcock’s Alanbridge Stud at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale and he cost $42,500,” Jamie Walter reported.

“Right from early on he showed really good ability but we’ve had to be very patient as he had shin soreness issues.”

“We’ve finally got him to the track and he’s rising four – but the wait’s been worth it and while he probably didn’t beat much today – he certainly did it well.”

Walter said he received a positive report from winning rider Peter Wells on his return to scale.

Peter Wells“Peter said he’s got plenty of raw ability and I know Guy has always had a nice opinion of him for a while.”

“He ran a very good trial the other day in Sydney and was just beaten in the fastest of the day. He’d obviously come on well in the past nine days.”

“Guy thinks he is a city class horse – but first things first and we’ll try and find him a nice easy race for his next start and go from there,” Jamie Walter summed up.

Skateboard is the third winner, from three runners, produced by the unraced Flying Spur mare All Trumped Up.

Her best performer to date is the PJ Bell Handicap winner Hot ‘n’ Ready – a daughter of More Than Ready – who like Dubleo is a son of Southern Halo.

All Trumped Up is from the once raced Kenmare mare French Riviera, a full sister to the top galloper and champion sire Highest Honor.

Also in the family are Brisbane based stakes winners Alpine Express and Adamantly.

The Proven Thoroughbreds colours were back in the winner’s stall later in the afternoon when fellow Gold Coast Yearling Sale graduate Popnae scored a fighting win in the Manton at Tareen Stud Handicap (1600m).

“It was a good win – because he was clearly headed when he went past me,” Walter noted.

“But he came back strongly and that’s a good sign.”

The son of Hussonet relished the better track conditions today and was ridden more aggressive after the removal of blinkers.