HICHAUX continued his rise to prominence when the Armidale gelding cruised to a second victory at Grafton today.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Robert Knight-trained gelding, a six-year-old son of High Chaparral, took 30 starts to win a race. That breakthrough came at Grafton in a 1700m maiden in early November.
He followed that up with a narrow second at Grafton and returned to the winners list today when he raced away with the Fidelity Capital Feed N Go Class 1 Maiden Plate (2200m).
Apprentice Georgina McDonnell "rode him quiet" early although he was still able to be within four lengths of the leader and then moved him forward approaching the turn before he surged away for another impressive effort.
"That was great work, she rode him a treat," Knight told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
"He's picked up lengths since he won that first race."
Grafton trainers Shane Everson and Dwayne Schmidt then dominated the early races at Grafton with Everson winning the Royal Hotel South Grafton Open Handicap (1200m) with Hidden Hail. He also finished third with September Girl.
Schmidt then turned around Miles Ahead to win the Blake WInmill Construction Maiden (1700m).
The four-year-old gelding had disappointed when seventh to Our Castaway a Grafton last start but went for a brief spell and came back refreshed.
"The further he goes the better he'll go," Schmidt predicted.
"We're pleased that whatever was wrong with him he's over it now."
