French Fields flies

Perseverance paid a dividend when French Fields scored an impressive win at Murray Bridge on Wednesday, October 27.

A four-year-old mare, French Fields was always prominent before dashing clear in the home straight to win the Mileva – MBRC Award Winner Maiden (1000m).

Ridden by Barend Vorster for trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy, the daughter of Deep Field started at $3.80 and had 1-1/4 lengths to spare at the finish beating Huntley Lady ($4) with Jaazeb ($1.90 fav), a neck away third.

The mare jumped well, and Vorster had her cruising outside the leader before asking her to dash for home and she never looked in danger.

French Fields has always indicated she was a good quality galloper but had breathing issues and as a result had two throat operations.

“The first one didn’t work well at all,” trainer Tony McEvoy said.

“But the second looks to have helped because she did trial well before today’s race.

“There were no issues after the trial and she had worked well since.”

McEvoy Mitchell Racing stable foreperson Sarah Rutten was relieved the mare had broken through.

“Unfortunately for this girl she has had to overcome a few hurdles to get a win today,” Rutten said.

“She has always had great ability and Tony has thought so much of her since she was a two-year-old.

“Just to see her win today is really great.

“There are a lot of owners here and they will love being here for the win, and congratulations to everyone.

“I think when you have a horse that you know has ability, you are happy to do things to get them to the track, so it is really great to come here today and she her win like that.

“Her work at home has been really good, she is one of our best track workers.

“To see her win her trial and being able to breathe was fantastic.

“To come back not gasping for air like when they can’t breathe making it impossible for them to win races.

“The owners have been very patient, and the operations have worked and to see her win was just great.