A JUBILANT roar from the crowd greeted the start of the first race at Randwick as Sydneysiders braved the rain to celebrate racing’s return to the city after the outbreak of equine influenza.
The cheer quickly turned to a sigh when it became clear the Gai Waterhouse-trained favourite Fizeau had bombed the start, but no matter; racing was back.
A field of nine horses lined up for the Hyland Race Colours Handicap, and the Bede Murray-trained Universal Magic had the honour of winning the first race at Randwick in more than three months.
The three-year-old is by Murray’s 2001 AJC Australian Derby winner, Universal Prince, and is the former star’s first city winner.
Murray, who cheered the gelding home from the mounting enclosure, said he was thrilled to get a winner on such a momentous day.
"I really did enjoy that," Murray said.
"It’s lovely and it eases the pressure a bit.
"I bred him myself so it’s even better. It’s great to be back and to have a horse by Universal Prince win his first city race."
Apprentice Tye Angland settled Universal Magic midfield, and the gelding had an unencumbered run down the outside to hold off Business Plan by a neck.
Don Shazan did best of the rest, another ½ length away in third.
"I felt like I won my first race again,” Angland said.
"I’m very excited. He jumped out well today and settled well and he has a really good turn of foot."
Hugh Bowman was aboard the runner-up, and he admitted he was huffing and puffing bringing the gelding back to scale.
Bowman rode in Melbourne during the spring carnival and booted home a few winners, but he said he was thrilled to be back at Randwick.
"It’s good to be back and the track is in great order," Bowman said.
"It will probably be another month before we’re all back in the groove, but you’ve got to start somewhere."
AAP
Source: Randwick resumes with beaten favourite
