News

Port Macquarie filly delivers the goods at Randwick

6th Aug 2011

Racenet - Nic Ashman - Saturday, 6 August 2011

Port Macquarie trainer Neil Godbolt trained his first Randwick winner in more than 10 years when Never Doubt Me strolled home in the Bronte Handicap (1300m) on Saturday.

The mid North Coast horseman last tasted success at "headquarters" when Erebus saluted on Anzac Day in 1999.

Jockey Christina Reith sent Never Doubt Me straight to the front after jumping before slowing up during the middle stages.

Coming to the home turn Reith slipped the daughter of Not A Single Doubt more rein and she travelled sweetly up the rise before bolting clear to win by three lengths with the Bart Cummings duo of Shuswap and Gliding finishing second and third respectively.

"It probably wasn't ideal to lead on her but there seemed to be a lack of pace in the race so I wasn't afraid to take it up," Reith said.

"She felt awesome coming round the bend and when we got to the top of the rise I gave her a squeeze and she bolted."

Godbolt said whileNever Doubt Me did win her previous start at Ballina by four lengths, the ease of the win suprised him.

"She's a very nice filly but I didn't expect her to win like that," Godbolt said.

"I didn't think she'd be in front like that I thought she would take a sit but she was still too good, she's not big but she's a tough bugger."

Godbolt selected Never Doubt Me from the Inglis June Winter Sale at Newmarket and the filly has proved her worth earning more than $100,000.

"I bought her out of a mix sale at Inglis for $8,000," he said.

"I had a few dollars from the BOBS scheme and she took my eye and i thought I'll take a punt with her."

The modest trainer reminded the public of the hard work that's goes into training racehorses when asked where celebration drinks were tonight.

"I've got to drive the float back to Port Macquaire this afternoon," he said.

Never Doubt Me posted her fifth win in nine starts and will "head to the paddock for a well earned rest".