WARRNAMBOOL-trained galloper Wentwood scored the biggest win of his career for local trainer Maddi Raymond in taking out the $400,000 Bendigo Cup on Wednesday.
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Wentwood, with popular jockey Harry Coffey on board, hung on to defeat Smokin' Romans by a short-head in the group three race over 2400 metres.
The lightly raced seven-year-old had previously taken out the Country Racing Victoria horse of the year award in August after victories in the St Arnaud, Terang and Werribee Cups.
Raymond, who has been training for only 18 months, was excited with the victory of the imported galloper.
"Wentwood is just so tough," she said.
"Twelve months ago Wentwood won the St Arnaud Cup and now he's won the group three Bendigo Cup. The win is a huge achievement for the whole team at home.
"I was a bit worried after he drew barrier one but it was a top ride by Harry. Wentwood likes room in his races. The key is to getting him to settle in his races.
"There were a few moments there where they steadied and I thought we might be in trouble but Harry had it all sorted out.
"The win is a huge result for Wentwood's owners and great for the stable. I do have to thank my partner Paddy Bell. He rides Wentwood in all his work.
"Wentwood was the first horse I got when I took out my trainers licence so it's a great reward to his owners Glen and Jane Davies."
Raymond will weigh up her options over the next few days regarding the next start for Wentwood.
"We did have the Ballarat Cup on the cards," she said.
"We'll take him home and assess things. We may throw in a nomination for the MacKinnon Stakes but he likes his races spaced, the MacKinnon is only 10 days away."
Wentwood has won seven of his 30 starts.
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