Kentucky nicks off to victory
Kentucky Nick gave trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy the Highweight double at Ararat on Thursday, February 29.
The McEvoys prepared Following Sea to win the Maiden Highweight, then followed up with Kentucky Nick in the Benchmark 58 version, both horses winning easily.
Ridden by Tom Ryan, the four-year-old was sent out a firm $1.80 favourite in the Ords Motorcycles Highweight (2200m) and like his stablemate in the preceding event, scored comfortably.
Kentucky Nick had 3-1/2 lengths to spare on runner up Tekapo ($61) with Here With Me ($15), 4-1/4 lengths away third.
Ryan settled the gelding one-out, one-back, and had a perfect run before improving around the home turn and proving much too good for his rivals.
Stable foreman Tim Hanley believes Kentucky Nick’s win could be significant in his career.
“It was a good result for everyone involved,” Hanley said.
“Especially the owners who have been very patient with this horse.
“He has always shown plenty of talent but has been frustrating.
“It was good to see him get the job done today.
“We thought pre-race we didn’t want to get to the front too soon, and again, he had a bit of a think about it today.
“But he was travelling so well, and they were stopping in front of him, so there was nothing Tommy (Tom Ryan) could do but go for home.
“He did have a bit of a think about it but hopefully he got some confidence out of the win.
“He’s had a bit of bad luck in his last couple of runs, so to get a smooth run today, I’m sure he will get some confidence out of the win.”
Winning jockey Tom Ryan said it had been a comprehensive victory by Kentucky Nick.
“It was very easy, just a steering job,” Ryan said.
“My job was very easy, he jumped and travelled.
“When I clicked him up at the 600 (metres), he came alive.
“It would have been holding on too long for him if we didn’t go when we did.
“I got to the front too soon, but he was just full of running and won easily.
“He’s a lovely horse, lovely action, the older he gets and the further gets, the better he will be.
“There is plenty more in store for him.”