For trainer Nathan Doyle, his emotions were a mix of exhilaration and relief after Churchill’s Choice made her winning run virtually next to the outside running rail.
“She has been a frustrating mare as she’s always had the ability but hasn’t won one of these stakes races,” Doyle said.
“But she’s got that good win now and I’m really happy for her owner, Kevin (Hill). He has been quite crook and is in hospital in Brisbane so hopefully that picks him up.”
Churchill’s Choice ($26), ridden by Regan Bayliss, zoomed down the outside to win the Hawkesbury Gold Cup by a half length from Palmetto ($19) with War Eternal ($31) a similar margin further back in third place, just ahead of Taken ($3.30).
For leading Sydney owner Carl Holt, this was the race that got away as his colours of royal blue and red vee were worn by the riders of the second, third and fourth placegetters.
But for some TAB lucky punters this result is something they won’t forget in a hurry with the Trifecta paying $6739.10 and the First Four dividend was a massive $53.067.20.
Doyle said a decision to change riding tactics led to Churchill Choice producing a career-best win.
“We took her back to the trials because we thought she might be a mad fresh horse,” Doyle said.
“She went so well first-up but then was a bit plain at her next run.”So, I got Regan up for the trial as she can hit a flat spot between the 500m and the 300m.
“She is probably dropping back two to three lengths and that’s where she has been losing her races.
“But you could see today that Regan got on his ‘bike’ at the 500m and got her into the race.”
Bayliss said answering Doyle’s SOS to ride Churchill’s Choice in a recent Gosford barrier trial proved decisive at Hawkesbury. “I’m glad I trialled her as that flat spot can cost her races,” Bayliss said.
“I just wanted to have her within striking range today and when she started to think about ‘dropping’ at the 500m, I kept at her.
“Once she got balanced up in the straight, she had to show a really good turn of foot today but she was strong to the line.”
Churchill’s Choice was having only her third run from a spell and her Hawkesbury win qualifies her for the $3 million Big Dance (1600m) at Royal Randwick on Melbourne Cup Day, the first Tuesday in November.
But Doyle believes has more immediate plans for the mare and is considering aiming her at the Listed $200,000 Scone Cup (1600m) at Scone on May 15.
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