Former South Australian galloper My Mate Sonny made a sensational debut for his new stable with a record breaking win in the Port Fairy Cup on Sunday.
The six-year-old, who joined the Vincent Malady stable just three weeks ago, wasted no time impressing at Warrnambool, covering the 1400m in 1m21.65s, beating Parlour’s track record by nearly 0.3s set 20 years ago.
Formerly trained by Shylie Williams, My Mate Sonny has been a fun horse winning eight races at his home track at Port Lincoln and another one at Morphettville before his connections decided to try their luck with the son of Glass Harmonium in Victoria.
On the recommendation of stable client Mark Dodemaide, Darren Williams and his co-owners transferred the gelding to Vincent’s Geelong stable just before Christmas.
Vincent said it was exciting to have the prolific winning My Mate Sonny in the stable but admitted he was uncertain what to expect from him at Warrnambool.
“You never know when you first get a horse what is going to happen,” Vincent said.
“Everything has been good with him since arriving at our stables and it worked out well, but Shylie did all the groundwork and we just reaped the rewards with him after three weeks with us,” Vincent said.
Jockey Josh Cartwright was surprised with My Sonny Mate’s record time.
“He did it easy there today,” Josh said.
My Sonny Mate began well and looked comfortable settling second behind the talented Morrrissy.
“They did roll along and Morrissy gave us a good track up in the race,” Josh said referring to the solid speed up front.
He said he was aware that My Sonny Mate had a habit of ducking in and was mindful of using the whip in his left hand to combat any waywardness.
My Sonny Mate ($11) challenged for the lead on the home turn and was too strong over the final 100 metres drawing clear to score by 1-1/4 lengths from the fast-finishing Intellective ($8) who pipped Morrissy ($3.60) for second place.
“I just stayed cool on him let him find his way into the race and (at the finish) he had plenty left in the tank,” Josh said of My Sonny Mate.
Josh and Vincent have a history of success together and winning a Cup for the stable was very satisfying.
“It is a big thrill for me to win for Vinny,” Josh said. “He’s been a huge supporter of mine.”
Only last month Josh won on Kitanlad which was his first winner with the Malady stable in eight years.