Greg Ryan again showed why he ridden more than 3000 winners yesterday as he rode Yes Zariz at the front from start to finish to win the 3D’s Butchery Len Kelly Memorial Tons Of Fun Maiden Handicap at Gilgandra yesterday.
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With a horse not renowned for his ability to lead the field, Ryan jumped well and controlled the race to perfection and even ease down as he passed the post.
It was a popular win with the crowd with local trainer Bruce Parker getting the day off to the perfect start.
“He’s been going to win one for a while but I’ve had a few apprentices on him and he’s had some bad luck,” Parker said after the race.
“Greg said he’s still learning, he’s only three years old so he’s a young horse but I think he’s going to be alright.”
After Madam Lashes was a late scratching, Ryan and Yes Zariz ($2.40 favourite) got off to a flying start and sat with Mariner’s Myth ($26) and Willywhoosh ($5.50) before making his move with the gelding getting clear in front.
By the time they approached the bend Ryan had got out to a good lead and was three lengths in front by the time they hit the straight.
“He went straight to the lead and that was pretty good,” Parker said of Ryan’s ride.
“Greg said he got a bit lost at the front because he doesn’t lead much, but coming to the corner I thought he had it and when you get a jockey like that you’re always a chance.”
Ken Dunbar on board Lola’s Chateau made a late charge but Yes Zariz was too far in front and Ryan won by half-a-length from the Bob Caton-trained Lola’s Chateau.