Echuca trainer Rhys Archard started 2024 with a bang when Charcoal Annie landed a boilover win at Wangaratta on Tuesday.
The $101 shot was given a masterful ride from veteran hoop Paul Gatt and led throughout to take out the Winsec Savings & Loans Benchmark 58 Handicap (1590m).
Gatt, who had originally planned on retirement from the saddle when he made the move back to Victoria after many years based in South Australia, is enjoying a riding renaissance.
He produced an absolute gem on the six-year-old daughter of Hampton Court, who sealed her second win from 24 career starts.
“That was not a bad effort,” Gatt said.
“I had no intention of leading, but she jumped out quite well.
“We kept rolling forward and they made me work for it (the lead), but we got a bit of a breather mid-race.
“She gave me a lovely kick (around the turn) and I thought she would be feeling it late, but to her credit she held on.”
The final margin to runner-up Batahi ($91), a head.
Gatt said Archard deserved the plaudits.
“A good training effort by Rhysy-boy, second-up over the mile,” he said.
Archard said Charcoal Annie had only recently returned to the track following a lengthy stint on the sidelines.
“She did a tendon and it never really quite healed, but the owners, including Jack Riedell, did a great job nursing her back,” he said.
“If it was mine, I would have retired it, but they said no, give her another chance.”
And that patience and faith was rewarded, with Charcoal Annie banking a first-prize cheque of $14,850.
Saying that, Archard admitted he was as surprised as the majority of punters with the success.
“No (I wasn’t expecting it), not at all,” he said.
“Second-up, 18 months off, I probably thought she’d need the run.
“She’s been going really well at home, but I was expecting her to show her best at 2000m.”