Under the management of the Australian Turf Club, the renowned Royal Randwick Kensington circuit staged a competitive seven-race metropolitan programme on Wednesday, 1 July. The card featured a balanced mix of plates and handicaps, bringing together several of Sydney’s leading trainers and jockeys. Chris Waller emerged with a training double, while other prominent stables also celebrated success during an afternoon of consistently competitive racing.
Opening the afternoon’s action, Race 1 – Robrick Lodge Plate was won by CONSULATE, ridden by C. Schofield for trainer Chris Waller in 1:18.14. The winner travelled strongly before finishing with purpose to secure the opening contest. CASTELBELLA finished second, while SNITZEL’S GIRL completed the placings in third.
Building on the competitive start, Race 2 – TAB Plate went to READY FORCOCKTAILS, with T. J. Schiller guiding the winner for the training partnership of Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes. The race was completed in 1:10.17, with the winner producing a polished performance throughout. CLAUDEL claimed second place, while SORENTINA finished third.
Maintaining the momentum, Race 3 – Asahi Super Dry Handicap saw BALLPARK provide Chris Waller with his second success of the meeting. Ridden by T. Clark, the gelding stopped the clock at 1:36.80 after a measured display. CHEVAL DE BOIS chased home in second, while SISTER DAAE secured third.
Continuing the quality of the programme, Race 4 – PKF Newcastle Handicap produced a determined effort from KENMARE BAY, who prevailed for jockey D. Gibbons and trainer Tom Charlton. The winner recorded 1:36.55, finishing ahead of PIER PRESSURE in second and TENDERIZE in third.
Producing another polished performance, Race 5 – PKF Sydney Handicap was claimed by MISS BUSSLINGER for jockey W. Stanley and trainer Kris Lees. The winner covered the journey in 1:27.09, maintaining a consistent gallop to the finish. DASHING RUPERT filled second place, while APPLAUD completed the top three.
Keeping the standard high, Race 6 – PKF Global Handicap was won by MISS EMMA, partnered by S. L. Fawke for trainer Becky Byrne. The mare registered 1:17.58, finishing ahead of INFUSION in second and GAMP in third after another competitive contest.
Bringing the meeting to a fitting conclusion, Race 7 – Hawaii Five Oh @ Vinery Stud Handicap saw HUON score for jockey Ms M. Fitzgerald and trainer Richard Litt in 1:00.02. The winner rounded off the programme with an impressive sprinting performance, while SUNDAY TYCOON claimed second and DEAR JEWEL completed the placings in third.
Chris Waller’s training double proved one of the defining features of the Kensington midweek meeting, while winners emerged from a range of respected stables across the seven-race programme. The afternoon once again highlighted the depth of Sydney metropolitan racing, with competitive fields producing quality performances from start to finish.
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