AN emotional Jeff Searle declared that the win of veteran Royal Mile ($10.80) in Friday\u2019s (May 22) Mount Gambier Cup was \u201cthe highlight of my career\u201d.<\/p>\n
Trained at Bordertown the eight year old came from mid-pack with Kayla Crowther on board to take over in the straight to beat Astradeel and Test The Law.<\/p>\n
Searle, who took over the training of the hose from the retired Lee Creek a few years ago, was thrilled with the win.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the highlight of my career. I am a South-East trainer and this is the biggest cup in our area,\u2019\u2019 Searle said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a family-owned horse and it means a lot to win with the colours of my dad on.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
Persistence has been a key to the Searle team, Royal Mile last winning at Murray Bridge in March (2026), but not tasting success before that since November 2021.<\/p>\n
Victory gave Crowther a race-day double – a win which she described as \u201creally special\u2019\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe horse lobbed in a good spot and it worked out great. It\u2019s always great to win for Jeff.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
Earlier Crowther was on board Naralinga ($2.90) which produced one of the runs of the day with an ultra-impressive win in a Benchmark 58 over 1200m.<\/p>\n
Drawn the widest gate in the 10-horse field Naralinga sat four and five wide but not working too hard.<\/p>\n
But turning for home the Darryl Dodson trained runner, based at Telopea Downs, cleared out in the run to the post to win by nearly four lengths from stablemate Disco Talk and Shaddap. The winner made it four wins from 17 starts and two out of two victories at the Mount.<\/p>\n
Mount Gambier trainer Jamie Opperman combined with his jockey son Jamie to produce the ultra-consistent Supreme Thunder ($5) an impressive winner of a Rating 54 over 1400m. Well off the pace and wide turning for home the Opperman runner charged late to edge out Toes In First with Johnny Cigar a solid third. It was Supreme Thunder\u2019s first win since saluting at the Mount three days short of a year ago.<\/p>\n
Emotions continued in the final event when Mount Gambier trainer Vanessa Hutchinson led in Scenic Host ($5.80) to victory in the final event over 1550m. Settling midfield the winner came with a sweeping run to account for the boldrunning Rhinestone Rory and Eyes To Me.<\/p>\n
Hutchinson trained with her partner and former jockey Darren Kolpin until he died earlier this year from cancer.<\/p>\n
Ballarat trainer Melody Cunningham enjoyed the trip to the Mount when Comic Hero ($8.10) sprouted wings late to get home in a 1200m open. Sitting well off the pace and in traffic Cian MacRedmond steered a course through the pack to nab Aquaholic and Hot Strut in a blanket finish.<\/p>\n
Cunningham was pleased with the horse\u2019s effort.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve had a bit of a problem with the horse\u2019s feet,\u2019\u2019 Cunningham said. \u201cIt was a good effort from a tricky spot.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
Murray Bridge trainers Gary Boyce and Stephen Theodore visited the winner\u2019s arena when Gazelle ($3.40) and Hard Leaf ($2.45) won their respective events. Gazelle came with a well-time run with Alysha Warren to take out a 3yo maiden over 1200m, accounting for Eraja and favourite Del Lirenza, while Hard Leaf ($2.45) defied the topweight of 60kg and barrier draw (14) to beat Melissa Kate and On The Map with Harry Grace on board. Millicent mentor Craig Stewart had good fortune when the aptly named Giddy Up Bankcheck ($4) did best to win a 1550m maiden. Ridden a patient ride by Andrew Stead the former Ben, Will and JD Hayes runner finished best to beat Piklemegranmother and Libby Ann.<\/p>\n
Warrnambool trainer Aaron Purcell continued his excellent run when Geffina ($5) took out a 1550m event with Tom Madden on board. Settling well the victor proved too strong for Four Outlaws and The Narrator.<\/p>\n
BY GORDON ARMSTRONG<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
AN emotional Jeff Searle declared that the win of veteran Royal Mile ($10.80) in Friday\u2019s (May 22) Mount Gambier Cup was \u201cthe highlight of my career\u201d. Trained at Bordertown the eight year old came from mid-pack with Kayla Crowther on board to take over in the straight to beat Astradeel and Test The Law. Searle, […]<\/p>\n