In Brief
- Still a Star struggled in All-Star Mile on a heavy track.
- Ryan proud of his stable star's effort.
- Mare will be back in Tassie on Sunday morning.
Tasmanian mare Still A Star might have finished near the tail of the field in the $5 million All-Star Mile at Moonee Valley on Saturday, but her trainer Bill Ryan was still proud of his stable star.
Still A Star made her way into the race courtesy of attracting almost 10,000 votes in what is primarily a fan-votes race for two-thirds of the final field of 15.
Ryan said the journey was well worth it and one he will never forget.
“Getting into this race has been one hell of a ride and even though we haven’t got the result we were all hoping for I am still very proud of the mare,” Ryan said.
“So many people got behind the mare and us and that was a bit of an eye-opener for me.
“I always wanted to get her over here (Melbourne) to see where she fits and even though we didn’t get a very good guide today we will be back because this was only her 14th start and she’s got so much more to give.”
Still A Star drew the outside barrier, but top Tasmanian rider Brendon McCoull was able to go forward early and slot into the one-out line with cover in fifth spot and he had Still A Star poised to make a statement turning for home,’
But the track conditions, which had deteriorated to a heavy rating, took its toll on the mare and she only plodded to the line over the final 100 metres.
McCoull was proud of Still A Star’s determination considering she was all at sea on the heavy track.
“I don’t know if she handled the class, but she certainly didn’t handle the track.,” McCoull said.
“She travelled well, but as soon as the pressure came on, she struggled.”