"Mana's" Big Comeback
Published: 22 Sep 2014
“That's better than winning the Golden Rose!" Manawanui's part owner Frank Pinta said after the race.
It looked like it was meant to be as Manawanui, the 2011 Golden Rose victor, returned to the track after 11 months to deliver an explosive win in the Group 3 Bill Ritchie Handicap.
Meant to be? - Manawanui wins the 2014 Bill Ritchie and 2011 Golden Rose, with clear similarities in the finish
It was Spring-time three years ago that Manawanui proved too strong for the Gooree-owned Smart Missile in the Golden Rose, and this time the red and black was carried by Rock Sturdy, who once again couldn’t get past the “battler’s champ.”
Racegoers in the grandstands and across the sun-drenched lawn cheered as he came back to scale. Even many that had backed Rock Sturdy, the popular favourite in the race, couldn’t help but enjoy the occasion. It was truly a great comeback and the culmination of a few seasons of hard work from trainer Ron Leemon, enduring injuries and countless frustrations.
"Everyone's been aware of Ronny and this horse at Warwick Farm, and it's a marvellous job to get him back to the races,"
Rock Sturdy's trainer Jo Pride
The secret was patience. Leemon knew not too apply too much stress to the grand galloper until he was resilient enough to stand up to the pressures of racing.
The lead up into the win on Saturday was via three trials, with the latest being a win on the 16th September at Rosehill under a good hold. Tye Angland rode him in the trial and the race and wasn’t sure if he was ready for his first-up run.
There wasn’t much interest in betting markets and he went into the race at generous odds (SP $18) given his class.
“Not far off some serious horses back in the day. Those days are a while ago, but I'm happy to take the big odds to gamble he is back. I'm on.”
Bookie Battler's pre-race comment
Despite clearly not being at top fitness in the yard, Manawanui produced the fight he last delivered three years ago. From the 100m and under 58kg, he took a tight gap and showed great strength to put a rising star in Rock Sturdy to the sword.
It was one of those moments in racing that leaves you hanging for more.
Tight gap - Manawanui burst through over the last 100m
Number one again - Manawanui returns to scale
A few facts about Manawanui:
- A $45,000 purchase as a yearling from Sydney Inglis Classic Yearling sales
- Career earnings of $1.4 million
- Winner of the 2011 Group 1 Golden Rose
- Was aiming for the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke this weekend, but missed a recent trial due to wet weather
- At his best, a powerful sprinter that has the strength to sustain his run (type and style)
Ready to go - Manawanui with his strapper before Saturday's race