IN a week when he relinquished the chairman’s role at the Warrnambool Racing Club, Ashley King found some joy when Gold Medals showed great heart to win the $125,000 Australian Steeplechase at Sandown on Saturday.
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King, managing part-owner of Gold Medals, sighted health issues and other commitments as the reasons he stood down from the plum position in Western District sport on Thursday.
Gold Medals, ridden by Warrnambool-based jumps jockey Shane Jackson, defeated Zed Em by a long head in the 3400-metre race.
The seven-year-old gave trainer Symon Wilde his second win in the feature jumps race, having won with Megapixel – which he trained in partnership with his dad Bill – in 2012.
Gold Medals is just such a versatile horse.
- Symon Wilde
Wilde said Gold Medals is a favourite in the stable.
“Gold Medals is just such a versatile horse,” he said.
“He was just beaten on the flat in the Casterton Cup last Sunday. It was a patient ride by Shane.
“Gold Medals is a favourite in the stable. He has a home with us for life.”
Gold Medals picked up $62,500 in prize money for his win, taking his stake earnings to more than $436,000 for his connections.
Meanwhile, Darren Weir’s Warrnambool satellite stable produced two winners at Sandown.
They were successful with Renew in the Australian Hurdle and Plein Ciel won the $100,000 Ladbrokes Handicap.