News

Guineas Win Leaves Hickman Bracing For Spring Success

8th Jul 2015

Three-year-old Duporth gelding Braces maintained his consistent record today when he weaved through the pack to take out the $50,000 Inglis Bonus along with the $45,000 CRJC Grafton Guineas under the guidance of Winona Costin on the first day of the Grafton Cup Carnival.

Braces (Duporth x Mount Juliet) was purchased from the draft of Holbrook Thoroughbreds at the 2013 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale for $17,000 by his trainer Greg Hickman, who targeted the Guineas for a number of reasons.

“The Inglis Bonus is super, and some of the owners are from Queensland so it was good for everyone to get the chance to meet halfway,” said Hickman.

“He’s such a strong, tough horse, he’s just unbelievable. We’re not 100% sure what we’ll do immediately, but our next major goal is the $250,000 Inglis Cup in September,”

The gelding has now notched up three wins and five placings from ten starts for his large group of owners, many of whom have made Grafton their home for the week to support the carnival.

Tony Bonello is one owner who has been racing horses with Hickman for over nine years.

“Greg buys horses from the Inglis Classic Sale and I always try to take a share with some friends,” commented Bonello.

“We’re not rich owners, we’re just your average punters enjoying racing with an incredibly professional trainer,” Bonello added.

The $250,000 Inglis Cup at Caulfield on 26 September will be the final race in the Inglis Race Series for 2013 Inglis Yearling Sale graduates.

All yearlings sold or passed in at an Inglis Yearling Sale are eligible for nomination to the Inglis Race Series. CLICK HERE to download the nomination form, which is due by 31 July 2015.

For more details on the $5 million Inglis Race Series go to inglis.com.au/races