Robert Knights scores two wins in Grafton

Mikayla Weir partnered Pressing Matters to win the Blue Dolphin Resort Benchmark 66 Handicap (2235m) while young Tamworth apprentice, Casey Waddell, combined with China Grove to win the Leah Kilner Leading Apprentice Maiden Plate (1725m).

Leah Kilner was to have ridden China Grove but was in isolation after being caught up in the Brisbane Covid-19 lockdown.

Waddell was drafted in and couldn't have ridden China Grove any better.

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She said "the speed was on that really good" as she tracked and then ran down the two leaders.

He then fought on to beat Sir Angus narrowly.

"I knew he'd kick back," Waddell added.

Knight was delighted he did.

"We got him from Melbourne about 10 weeks ago," he said.

"Paid $13,000 for him so he's virtually paid for himself. Casey rode him a treat too. Took a sit and then he fought back really well.

A four-year-old gelding son of Skilled, China Grove was having his first start for Knight.

It was also his first win in nine goes.

Pressing Matters, in contrast, won his fifth race and his fourth for Knight in 37 starts since he purchased him from the then-Darren Weir stables in late 2017.

"He's had a tendon injury," Knight said of the seven-year-old son of High Chapparal.

"Gave him a good spell, eight or 10 months. He fought on well too for Mikayla."

Knight has just four in work at Armidale and admits it has been tougher than ever racing against the big stables.

It's also been a long while since he claimed a winning double.

"Not since the good old days," he laughed.

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