Dashing ride to victory

A dashing ride by Irish jockey Seamus Cronin landed Following Sea a photo finish winner at Hamilton on Monday, September 16.

Near last turning for home in the field of 14, Cronin opted to cross back to the rail seeking a run and the Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained galloper sprinted through to claim victory in the Randlab Alex Macpherson Benchmark 58 Handicap (1600m).

Following Sea ($18) scored by a long head from Loose On Gin ($4.80) with French Graffiti ($18), 1-1/4 lengths away third.

Resuming from a spell, the four-year-old won a trial at Stawell late last month in preparation for today’s return for owner Pipeliner Bloodstock Pty Ltd of Wayne Mitchell.

Cronin had Following Sea slightly worse than midfield, one wide, in the early stages.

As the field turned for home he made the decision to go inside and managed to get a clear run which enabled him to lengthen for victory.

Rayan Moore, Racing Manager for McEvoy Mitchell, said the win had looked impossible on the home turn.

“On the turn it looked like a forlorn event,” Moore said.

“It was as fantastic ride by Seamus who picked up the ride this morning when John Allen was unavailable.

“He used his brain, Seamus, and went back to the inside where most of the winners had been today.

“Following Sea was very strong late under vigorous riding.

“The horse has done a great job, he was first up today at 1600 metres off a longer break.

“His previous win had come at 2200 metres so he is a horse we know can get out over a trip.

“We will take him through the grades, and it was fantastic to get another winner for Pipeliner Bloodstock of Wayne Mitchell who is our biggest supporter at McEvoy Mitchell Racing.”

Winning jockey Seamus Cronin said Following Sea had sprinted strongly to grab victory.

“When he jumped the gate he relaxed straight away and was comfortable where he was,” Cronin said.

“Coming to the home turn I decided to sit and suffer rather than going wide.

“Fortunately, the gaps came inside at the right time.

“He knuckled down and ran strongly through the line.”