Richmond premiership stars Jack Riewoldt, Liam Baker, Nathan Broad and Jack Graham know what pressure is like having won flags in the yellow and black.
But they did not look like seasoned sporting stars as emerging stayer and hot favourite Soulcombe sat last midway through the group 3 Queen’s Cup.
Given it was the first horse of any note the quartet at the track, and their two absent teammates Tom Lynch and Jayden Short, have held shares in, their anxiety was natural.
Soulcombe, ridden by Craig Williams, wins the Queen’s Cup at Flemington. Connections, including a selection of Tigers stars, are already eyeing the 2023 Melbourne Cup.Credit:Brett Holburt, Racing Photos
But it soon turned to jubilation as they realised jockey Craig Williams was starting to make ground on Soulcombe once they straightened, and he had the race in hand as he passed the mounting yard with 100 metres to run.
“That’s exactly how they said they would ride it,” Baker said. “They said he should be good enough down the straight if he got the right run.”
Broad could not believe his luck being involved with horse owners and syndicators Ozzie Kheir and John O’Neill (a Richmond fan) who have seen plenty of success on the track but celebrated with even more enthusiasm than usual.
“That’s our first winner,” Broad said.
When asked how it compared to the emotion he felt when winning the three flags in 2017, 2019 and 2020 his response was simple.
“It’s up there,” Broad said.
Soulcombe’s connections, which include Jack Riewoldt, Liam Baker, Nathan Broad and Jack Graham, at Flemington. Credit:Morgan Hancock, Racing Photos
The UK-bred Soulcombe who was having his first start at Flemington does not shape as a one-hit wonder either. The well-bred four-year-old gelding is favourite for next year’s Melbourne Cup and under the care of Chris Waller is sure to get a perfect preparation.
“It is a different style of racing but no better place than Flemington, the bigger tracks, and that will give the horse a lot of confidence,” Waller said. “It’s all about seeing how he recovers today. Most importantly he knows how to win at Flemington.”
Williams is interested in sitting on Soulcombe’s back next year.
“That’s no different to his races back home. He’ll adapt to our racing, and he’s got really good ability,” Williams said.
“He’s so raw and untapped. Credit to Chris Waller and his team of owners. They will develop a tough, seasoned horse for next year.”
