Danesiri Connections Remember Walter
Danesiri has gone one better than her second in the Triscay Stakes by taking out the $150,000, Group 3 Guy Walter Stakes (1400m) for mares at Warwick Farm on Saturday. Despite hitting the line with plenty of gusto when resuming in the Triscay Stakes, Danesiri was largely unwanted second up and after a day where favourites dominated, bookmakers got one back as Danesiri swept to the lead 200m from home before posting a three quarter length success. Renamed in honour of the late champion trainer Guy Walter, the success was an emotional one for trainer John Thompson. “He was a massive supporter of me as was his family,” Thompson said. “I got a lot of horses from him after his passing. He was an absolute champion of a man. “It is an absolute honour to win his race. When I went for my trainer’s license he was one of the three people who gave me a great reference. It was a three pages and hand written. “To win this is a massive honour.” A four time stakes placegetter, Danesiri has claimed a valuable black type win with Saturday’s Guy Walter Stakes. She produced the winning display at only her second start for trainer John Thompson having previously been under the care of Port Macquarie-based horseman Wayne Wilkes. “I got the horse off him, she came in fantastic order and a lot of this goes to him,” Thompson said. “He is a good trainer but being in town and not having to travel so far makes a big difference for mares. “She’s had a bit of change in scenery. When mares are in form, they are in form. She ran terrific there and I am very happy to win that race.” The win was also an important one for jockey Christian Reith, stakes success since returning from a Hong Kong riding stint during the summer. “It is going to take time to build up those connections again but we are getting there slowly,” Reith said. From an awkward draw, Reith settled Danesiri midfield before the pair peeled off heels and went deepest turning for home. She let down well on straightening and surged to the lead a furlong out. While Cosmic Endeavour bravely attempted to reel the mare in, Danesiri was too strong over the final stages as a three quarter length win ensued. “All credit goes to John Thompson and his staff, they have got this mare going a treat,” Reith said. “She improved from last start.” Cosmic Endeavour finished second while Mahara ran on well into third.
