WELL bred four-year-old mare Alainn has given trainers Charlie Goggin and Luella Meaburn their share of grief during her three preparations but on Sunday at Tattersall’s Park she repaid them for their patience.,
Alainn powered her way to an impressive win in the Winning Edge Presentations 3YO and Upwards Maiden Plate over 1200 metres.
Goggin said the mare had been difficult to train in that she promised a lot but didn’t quite deliver on the racetrack.
“Her attitude was not the best but we’ve persevered and that has produced a win and that’s what it’s all about,” Goggin said.
“She also has been a slow maturer but being by Carnegie you have to give them time and that’s certainly the case with this mare,” he said.
Alainn was well ridden by apprentice Erhan Kacmaz who had the mare settled near the rear of the field but travelling well to the 600-metre mark.
The rider was forced to steer a wide course and spotted the leaders a big start when she straightened for the run home.
General Gee Gee emerged from the pack and looked to have the race in his keeping but he was unable to stave off the powerful finish of Alainn that hit the line a long head clear of General Gee Gee with Muraafiq almost three lengths astern and just in advance of Steven’s Wonder.
Alainn is owned and raced by a Prime Thoroughbreds syndicate comprising Joe O’Neill, Wally, Power, Norm Rance, Dennis Cassidy and Denis Adam.
O’Neill said he purchased the mare at a Magic Millions Weanling Sale.
“I bought this filly on breeding and while it has taken her a while to win a race I’m confident she can go on from here,” O’Neill said.
“She is by Carnegie and they all take time to mature and the track conditions also helped because the family all handle the wet ground,” he said.