The final Grafton meeting for the year was transferred to Coffs Harbour last Sunday due to the extreme heat but it was not enough to stop Grafton trainers coming home with a couple of winners.
First to taste success was Andy Parramore when Fu Hao scored a solid win in the maiden 1000m.
Ridden by Jodi Worley Fu Hao was slowly away but Worley quickly drove through on the rail to find the leaders back as the field settled down. Then in the straight angled into the open near the 300m to race to the top and win with some authority.
The win provided team Parramore with its third win for the season and was the first leg of a winning double for Worley who was already in celebration mode after having ridden a winner at Toowoomba on Saturday night.
Grafton’s iron mare Ilia ridden by Travis Wolfgram provided Shane Everson with the other Grafton winner when she was successful in the BM 66 1400m.
The amazing 9yo mare was facing the starter for the ninety fourth occasion and was able to record her eighth win and take her career earnings to over $180K.
There is little doubt many stables would have sent Ilia off to the breeding barn two seasons ago but whether it was sound judgement from Everson or fear of reprisals from stable staff only Shane would know.
Ilia started her career under the care of Greg Eurell having just three starts in Victoria before joining the Everson yard just over four years ago. Ilia won at her first run for Everson in August 2016 and has won at least one race in every racing season since.
To add even further merit to the performance on Sunday Ilia had never won a race past 1200m,never won above BM58 grade and never won with a male rider. Which only goes to prove the only rule in racing is there are no rules.
Pic Ilia in full flight.
Photo supplied by Trackside Photography 07 32165685
