Some last-minute homework paid off for jockey Ryan Hurdle when he booted home Cat Empire first-up at Benalla.
Cat Empire was a pick-up ride for Ryan who replaced Jamie Mott in Tuesday’s bet365 BM58 Hcp (1112m).
Ryan said that on the way to the races, he watched a replay of Cat Empire’s maiden win last preparation which gave him an idea of what to expect.
“I thought from that barrier (seven) and with the speed that was on paper she would lob in that spot (about six lengths off the lead):” Ryan said.
Cat Empire ($16) was sweating on a run on the home turn and in the straight an exciting finish evolved as one of the top chances Abdication launched with a barnstorming run from second last.
Abdication looked like running over the top of Cat Empire but the daughter of Sebring responded to the challenge to score in a photo finish.
“Fortunately, we got a nice split at the right time, and she was strong to the line,” Ryan said.
Trainer Vincent Malady said it was good to reward Ryan with a winner for the stable.
Ryan has ridden in a couple of jumpouts for us when Mitch Aitken hasn’t been available so it was good to see him get a winner for the stable,” Vincent said.
“He rode her well – let her balance up where she wanted to be and got a good run through,” trainer Vincent Malady said.
Buoyed by a couple of nice recent jumpouts at St Arnaud and Burrymbeet, Vincent was confident Cat Empire would run well.
“You are never confident they will win but she is a very genuine horse which helps and she got the bob in,” Vincent said,
Owner Eddie Hirsch bred Cat Empire who has won two of her seven starts.