Celebrations flowing

Celebrations were flowing when Water Into Wine won on debut at Murray Bridge on Saturday, January 15.

A three-year-old by Cornerstone Stud stallion Sir Prancealot, Water Into Wine charged home to win the TAB Maiden (1200m).

Trained by Tony & Calvin McEvoy and ridden by Barend Vorster, the gelding ($6) arrived to win by a half-length from Fox Gem ($7.50) with Samesyn ($3.30 eq fav), a neck away third.

Water Into Wine settled midfield on the rails and looked a bit new to racing coming to the home turn.

On straightening, Vorster eased him away off the inside and Water Into Wine lengthened and dashed through to grab victory.

The gelding showed some promise in trials early last year but went for a break.

He finished fourth in a Strathalbyn trial late last year to prepare him for today’s race.

Part-owner Sam Hayes, from Cornerstone Stud, said Water Into Wine was a big, immature horse that had taken time to reach the track.

“I thought today he still really didn’t know what to do during the race,” Hayes said.

“But over the final 50 metres it all came together, and he dashed through to win well.

“He’s a horse I believe will be at his best over 1600 – 2000 metres so to win over 1200 was a bonus.”

Hayes said the name came from the dam, God’s Child.

Water Into Wine lists among his owners, the state politician Leon Bignell who was on course to celebrate the victory.

“Several of the other owners from Queensland,” Hayes said.

“I was showing them around Cornerstone Stud one day and they saw the mare in foal and wanted to buy a share in her foal.

“They have had to be patient, but it was great to see them get a reward.”

Winning jockey Barend Vorster believes Water Into Wine has a future.

“It was a lovely win,” Vorster said.

“He is still immature and is a horse which will get out over ground.

“I think he is going to mature a lot and maybe a horse to follow.”