Photo: Pat Scala Racing Photos
Previously a placegetter at Group One and Group Two level, Waikato Stud’s homebred mare Hurry Curry (Ocean Park) secured a valuable first black-type victory in the A$175,000 Listed RM Ansett Classic (2400m) at Mornington on Saturday.
The daughter of Ocean Park ran third behind Treasurethe Moment in the Gr.1 VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington in November 2024, and she picked up another third placing in the Gr.2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) in March of this year.
Spelled by trainer Danny O’Brien after that Adelaide Cup run, Hurry Curry began her five-year-old season with unplaced runs under big weights over 1600m at Flemington and 1800m at Caulfield.
Suited by Saturday’s step up to 2400m and step down to 54kg, Hurry Curry enjoyed a handy run just behind the leaders before jockey Lachlan Neindorf presented her at the top of the straight.
She stretched out strongly and quickened past the front-runner Sunset Park to score by a neck.
“She was well presented by Danny and his team,” Neindorf said. “There wasn’t much speed in this race on paper, and in her previous runs, when she’s been able to hold a closer spot, she’s performed really well.
“She bounced well today and we were able to hold the box seat. I had to get her out of her comfort zone a couple of times to do that, but I was happy to niggle her a little bit to hold that spot. She then travelled nicely, switched over heels and finished the best late after that economical run.”
Hurry Curry has now had 20 starts for four wins, three placings and A$362,650 in stakes.
“She has had a really solid career without getting that black-type win, so it’s great to tick that box for Mark Chittick, Waikato Stud and the other owner Craig Duncan,” O’Brien’s racing manager Jack Howard said.
“It was a really good ride from Lachie (Neindorf). When they went past the post the first time, I think it was Shane Jackson’s horse (Beach Pad) just in front that rolled out and he kicked up underneath, which gave us that spot behind the leader and that was probably the pivotal move in the end.
“We thought she was harshly penalised with her rating for that Adelaide Cup run, which left us hamstrung around where to run her. The fact that we could drop to 54kg today and step up in trip, that was what we were looking for. It’s great to get that black-type win.”
Hurry Curry is one of four winners from five foals to race out of the Savabeel mare Hurry, who herself was a winner over 1200m. Hurry is a full-sister to the black-type performers Helsinki and Sorrentina.
Hurry Curry became the 27th individual stakes winner for Waikato Stud stallion Ocean Park.
