McAvaneys’ Mixmulti success
Legendary Australian sports broadcaster Bruce McAvaney and his wife Annie celebrated a first up ownership success when Mixmulti outstayed her rivals to win at Werribee on Friday, February 3.
The McAvaneys were on King Island off mainland Tasmania last month along with trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy and it was suggested they join in the ownership of Mixmulti.
The four-year-old mare rewarded the owners with a tough performance to take out the McCarthy Plumbing Group Benchmark 58 Handicap (2000m).
Backed from $6 into $4.40 favourite, Mixmulti, ridden by Dean Holland, was headed past the 250 metres but came back to score a half neck win from Dirt On Harry ($5) with He’s On Form ($5.50), two lengths away third.
Holland had the mare perfectly placed one-out, one-back in the run before asking her to improve on the home turn.
The runner-up came with Mixmulti and the pair drew clear.
Past the 200, Mixmulti was clearly headed but responded to Holland’s riding to battle back and grab victory.
McEvoy’s stable foreman Tim Hanley admitted to being nervous halfway up the home straight.
“It was a very tough win,” Hanley said.
“I don’t know if Dean (Holland) was as nervous as I was, even at the home turn, all the way down the straight.
“We have always liked her as a staying prospect and that was a true staying test today, and she loved it.
“Special mention to Bruce and Annie McAvaney who are new owners in this mare.
“On the trip over to King Island they got involved with Tony & Calvin, so well done to them.”
Hanley said Mixmulti was suited on rain affected going.
“She won on a heavy track at her first start, then she went on to a wet track at her second start but was coming to the end of her preparation.
“All prep she is just screaming out for more ground, and I don’t think she is just a wet tracker., it was more the 2000 metres was the key today.
“I definitely think she will go through her grades, and on today’s effort, she will probably get a bit further.”
Winning jockey Dean Holland said Mixmulti had been tough.
“It was hard work for me,” Holland said.
“I had Jamie Mott trying to push out to obtain a run outside the leader.
“I had him pocketed, but she just dropped the bridle and made it really hard for me from then on.
“The second horse had me on toast at the 300 (metres) but she really dug deep.
“Once we balanced up, she was really good to the line.
“At the right trip, she might be a horse to put a bit of head gear on.
“She might get to the next level.
“Is she can run a bit further there is no doubt she can win a better class race.”