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Genuine sprinter Statham sped to another level at Ellerslie where he earned his first black type victory.
Close on a number of occasions in the past, he made the breakthrough in Saturday’s Gr.3 Stella Artois Concorde Handicap.
“This was his opportunity with a good barrier draw and a light weight – the only real issue we had was finding a rider,” said Scott Lucock, who prepares the six-year-old with Sally Gillespie.The owners were keen on a senior jockey, but without a suitable one available the responsibility rested with apprentice Christopher Dell and he did them proud.
“Chris did the job beautifully,” Lucock said. “We had a plan to trail the leader – we just didn’t think it would be Fast Dragon – and it worked out perfectly.”Dell celebrated with a flourish of his whip, and well he might after making it back into the saddle after an horrendous fall at the Ruakaka trials nearly 12 months ago.
The 23-year-old suffered serious head injuries and a Group victory at Ellerslie has now capped his remarkable comeback.Dell gave Statham an ideal run and he was able to angle into the clear 250 metres from home before finishing off in style.
Previously placed three times at stakes level and fourth in last year’s Concorde, Statham will now make his next appearance in the Gr.1 Sistema Railway Stakes on New Year’s Day.Irish Moon finished off well for second ahead of the favourite Ryan Mark with Fast Dragon battling on for fourth money.