As we prepare for the races today at Grafton we should look at the great Grafton winners of last week.
What a week it was for Grafton based trainers with four of the locals winning races on the seven race card.
First to the winners room was Dwayne Schmidt when Daimyo scored a last to first victory in the Class 1 1006m. Ridden by Jake Bayliss Daimyo went back in the small field to be a clear last in the run and without going around a runner dashed through along the inside rail to win racing away.
It was the second victory for Daimyo from five runs this preparation.
The next winner came from the John Shelton yard when Tara Koda scored an impressive victory in the Maiden 1181m ridden by Ben Looker Tara Koda came from well back in the field at the 800m and was forced to make a wide run rounding the home turn.
Once in the straight Tara Koda still had plenty of work ahead of her but over the final 200m really worked to the line with gusto to win running away.
They say there is nothing better than a mare in form and it seems that is does not matter the age once they find form a mare can continue to produce.
In March of 2023 Shane Everson made the decision to purchase the then rising seven year old mare Rahaan she had not been placed in her most recent six starts and had not won since late 2022 however Shane was sure there were more wins left in her.
Fast forward to the start of the current season and Rahaan had started twenty times for the new stable without recording a win. The mare had run plenty of good races finishing in the top five on ten occasions but the chances of win appeared to be diminishing as Rahaan reached her eight year old year.
Then the tide turned with a win at the Casino Cup meeting followed by a close second at Grafton an unplaced run again at Grafton and then back into the winners circle at Grafton on Monday over 2220m. Ridden by Ben Looker who was also the pilot at Casino Rahaan led throughout to never be in any danger of defeat racing away to score by over two lengths at the finish. It makes the March 2023 decision seem right it just a little longer than expected.
One thing is for certain the most impressive winner of the day came courtesy of the Scott Henley prepared Volcanic Love.
It was almost over before it began when Volcanic Love all but dislodged Jai Williams at the start however Williams was able to over come the early issue and settle the gelding worse than midfield the fence. He then had to push his way into the clear at the 300m but once in clear air Volcanic Love lived up to his name and exploded away from the opposition to win by almost five lengths running away.
Volcanic Love is without doubt the best country championship horse currently in work in Grafton and if the stable elects to go that way there is little doubt he will equip himself well.
