When Longport stormed home in the 1200m Yellowglen Stakes on Derby Day jockey Craig Newitt commented “had the race been slightly longer she probably would have won”. Owner Steve Gillard and Danny were thrilled with the run as they both knew that this was only the first step on her campaign towards the $1 million Group One Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot on November 23.
The scheduling next week of Longport’s flight from Melbourne to Perth meant that Danny had to adjust her race program and back her up a week later on Emirates Day. Having pulled up “enormous” Danny was confident that Longport would win at the longer distance. With Craig Newitt honouring a prior commitment, in form jockey Nash Rawiller was given the task to pilot the 4 year old Group winning daughter of Casino Prince.
When Longport scored an easy all–the-way win in the Emirates Airline Handicap over 1400m at Flemington yesterday is was a great result for Danny, the owners and our team back at Falvelon Lodge. Longport (stable name Lucy) is not only a wonderful racehorse but she has a beautiful nature and easy going temperament. All connected are thrilled to see this lovely mare resume racing and achieve success with Danny.
Special thanks must also go to her track work rider and strapper in Melbourne Tommy Johnston, our Brisbane vet Dr Mark McGarry and our vet in Melbourne Dr Tom Brennan for all of their care and expertise.