Trainer Chris Waller and jockey Hugh Bowman combined to win back to back Group 3 $175,000 XXXX Gold Newcastle Cups (2200m) on the Beaumont track at Newcastle today with ex Kiwi stayer Sacred Master.
Jockey Hugh Bowman, above, scored back to back wins in the Newcastle Cup with Sacred Master winning today. Photo by Daniel Costello.
Waller and Bowman teamed up last year with Beyond Thankful and a repeat performance saw them back in the winner’s circle at Newcastle again.
The well supported Sacred Master, $4.60 into $3.70 was ridden a treat by Bowman who had him in the clear at the 800m to make his move.
Bowman had Sacred Master moving forward on the home turn and the five year old was able to sustain a long run to hold out the $14 chance Dee I Cee with Waller filling the third spot with old stager Junoob ($9).
The Kris Lees trained Singing was sent out the $3.40 favourite and after being given the run of the race by Kerrin McEvoy loomed up to the leaders at the 250m mark but failed to go on with it and missed a place to finish in seventh spot.
“It’s a great feeling. It’s a race I really tried to win a long time ago,” Bowman said.
“Last year I won the Wyong Cup and the Newcastle Cup with Beyond Thankful. This horse is a more progressive type than Beyond Thankful and it will be interesting to see where he goes.”
“I was able to put him to sleep early and I was aided by a really nice run in transit and he relaxed so well today.”
Sacred Master had a good staying record in New Zealand including a third in the Group 1 NZ$500,000 Barefoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie on March 12.
