News

Zuma Roc gives Neil Walsh first Flemington winner

6th Jul 2013

RacingNetwork - Adrian Dunn - Saturday, 6 July 2013

It was a race for apprentice jockeys, but young Mornington trainer Neil Walsh will forever remember the Rising Stars Final today at Flemington.

Thanks to a gem of a ride from emerging apprentice Damien Thornton on Zuma Roc, Walsh celebrated his first Flemington winner. Zuma Roc provided Walsh with a city win at Moonee Valley on New Year's Eve in 2011.

“It’s a huge thrill, I couldn’t be any happier,” enthused Walsh.

“It’s great my family is here to celebrate with me. I’m just rapt.”

Thornton dictated terms as he camped Zuma Roc, backed from $8 to $6, on the outside of leader St Mar, which firmed from $4 to $3.60 favourite.

Zuma Roc found plenty when Thornton asked him to extend at the 300 metres and he drew clear to win by one length from Midnight Glory, $9, with a half length to Sea Skye, $51, third.

Walsh believes Zuma Roc, who posted just his third win from 19 starts, can develop into a "genuine Saturday class horse".

Zuma Roc (Rock Of Gibraltar x Medium Swing) was a $70,000 purchase by Walsh's 181 Racing from the draft of Makybe at the 2010 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale .