Rangirangdoo has announced his return to the upper echelon of Australian Group racing with a hard fought win in the 2011 George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill Gardens.
Just 12 months ago connections decided to press on with the gelding despite the odds been stacked against his recovery following a severe injury.
Today though he proved just how much of a fighter he is with a fitting finish to the race going down to a photo in which he edged out Love Conquers All by a nose.
After the race it almost became too much for his star trainer Chris Waller who was visibly emotional during the post race interview.
Waller couldn’t pay enough credit to the support staff at his stable who put in hundreds and hundreds of hours to get Rangirangdoo back to his winning best.
He adds the George Ryder to his resume today after winning the 2010 Doncaster Mile last year.
It’s even more amazing to think the horse has had just one run in between those victories spanning a full year.
Corey brown executed a perfect race plan during the race and did the job for the connections who had backed him earlier in the week.
Brown had initially tried to swap horses for a ride on Melito but after she wasn’t entered in the race Waller accepted his request to come back to his stable.
It was a fantastic race with four horses still well in contention in the final 50m.
Rangirangdoo was just too good though with Triple Elegance grabbing third spot ahead of Aloha.
Bookies were rejoicing in the win as well with $15 the final Luxbet.com price adding to the miserable day favourite backers have had on 2011 Golden Slipper Day.
2011 George Ryder Stakes Results
1st – #2 Rangirangdoo ($15)
2nd – #9 Love Conquers All ($6.00)
3rd – #10 Triple Elegance ($3.00)
