A dispute over riding engagements has triggered a shock stable switch for Startsmeup, a spectacular last-stride winner of Saturday’s George Moore Stakes at Eagle Farm.
Minutes after Startsmeup, ridden by Brad Stewart, returned to the enclosure Gillian Heinrich dropped a bombshell when she revealed the gelding will be transferred to fellow Gold Coast trainer Bruce Hill.
Instead of celebrating the win, Heinrich struggled to keep her emotions in check.
“I received a call from the owners of Startsmeup on Wednesday after acceptances came out informing me that the horse will be going to Bruce Hill on Sunday morning,” she said.
“I believe they were upset because Jeff Lloyd elected to ride my horse Audacious Spirit instead of Startsmeup.
“That’s their decision. They pay the bills and are entitled to do what they want but I’m proud of the races I’ve won with this horse.”
Hill was the original trainer of Startsmeup before he entered Heinrich’s stable late last year.
Stewart produced an outstanding ride to weave through the field aboard Startsmeup ($6.50) and withstand a late burst from Phelan Ready ($5) to win by a nose.
“The runs came exactly when I needed them to and my horse was good enough to take advantage of it,” Stewart said.
“I wasn’t sure if he got there but it was nice to see the photo finish go our way.”
Damian Browne was delighted in the effort of Phelan Ready to shoulder 59kg and come from last to narrowly miss out.
“He’s racing consistently now which is a great sign and I actually thought he made it in time but it wasn’t to be,” Browne said.
“The step up in journey is what he’s looking for and his sectional times for his last 400 metres would’ve been amazing.”
Jim Byrne believes Morning Captain is close to a win and was impressed with the tenacity the gelding showed under intense pressure.
The favourite Adebisi ($4.60) travelled comfortably outside Audacious Spirit to the home turn but disappointed Michael Cahill with his inability to finish off the race.
“The race panned out the way I thought it would but his run came to an end in the final 150 metres,” Cahill said.
