Pierro and Nash Rawiller (right) rally late to win the George Ryder Stakes. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Sunday Telegraph
Nash Rawiller and Pierro after their superb win. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Sunday Telegraph
CHAMPION jockey Nash Rawiller gained some solace for his nightmarish ride on More Joyous in the Queen Of The Turf driving top colt Pierro to his 11th straight win in Sydney in the Daily Telegraph George Ryder Stakes (1500m).
After being pocketed on More Joyous, Rawiller kept Pierro on the outside of the field travelling up six and seven deep around the bend.
The pair still had some work to do to reel in 10-times Group 1 winner King Mufhasa but managed to level up inside the final 100m, pinning the ears back and crossing the line in front for the 11th time in his 13 starts.
"I don't think he really handled the slow ground I was quite concerned in patches, he was dipping and diving. I suppose most of them are but when you're riding a horse that is so balanced and beautiful to ride they put a foot out of place you feel it right away," Rawiller said.
“There were a couple of concerns there at stages but I was very confident from where I was that he could win.
"Take nothing away from the great mare More Joyous, she'll go down in history as one of the best horses I've rode but this bloke is something pretty special isn't he."
Pierro's win capped off a great day for trainer Gai Waterhouse her fifth Golden Slipper Stakes only 40 minutes earlier with Overreach.
"I must say, I very rarely ever get goose bumps watching races - I have watched a few with top class horses - but today I really got goose bumps," Waterhouse said.
"Today was something very special. He is a sexy horse, he's the best."
Vittoria genuine Sydney Cup contender
8:10PM Rod Nicholson VITTORIA will take a hat-trick of wins as her credentials to tackle the Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick on April 27.
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