Whilst it’s not necessarily easy for a horse to win on debut, in the case of 3 year old filly DEMIANA it was a relatively straight forward assignment. Having trialled twice a few months ago and then again recently, the filly arrived at Canterbury Park on Friday night and was ready to go. From barrier 3 her rider Jason Collett allowed the filly to roll forward to join the leaders and after what looked likely to be a speed battle up front, Jason then elected to allow DEMIANA to ease back in behind the group and take a trail. After turning into the home straight, the filly peeled out into the middle of the track and in the words of the race caller “DEMIANA is off and gone”. The daughter of I Am Invincible relished the assignment over the 1,250 metres trip and in winning with authority, she highlighted her ability and certainly looks to be a very good prospect going forward.

With a busy week producing four 3 year old winning fillies, it was time for the boys to “step up to the plate” and CADETSHIP, the son of Merchant Navy did that with a strong win at Newcastle on Saturday first up after a break. Jockey Lee Magorrian had the gelding well placed after jumping from barrier 2 and although the pair initially travelled right behind the leaders, he soon allowed CADETSHIP to settle fourth on the fence. When the field reached the home turn. Lee brought the gelding to the middle of the track and CADETSHIP continued to work to the line, drawing nicely clear as the pair approached the finishing post in a good return.

DEMIANA was a 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling sale purchase from the draft of Musk Creek Farm. She is out of Lonhro mare Deipara whose name is a Latin word meaning Mother of God. Our filly was named after St Demiana, a 4th century Nun who was martyred for standing up to the King for her Christian beliefs. CADETSHIP is a graduate of the same sale but from the draft of Rheinwood Pastoral Co. The gelding’s name was inspired by his sire Merchant Navy and the training a student undertakes in a military program.

Congratulations to the winning DEMIANA owners Paramount Racing (Manager: Kathryn Wood), Ray Aurisch, The late Helen Aurisch, P & S Glenney & S McKee Racing (Manager: Patti Glenney), Felgate Holdings (Manager: Paul Felgate), Trevor MacLeod, Martin Ive, Rachel Ive, Boeara Holdings (Manager: Denise Dunphy), Raelene Glasgow, Martin Chong, Scott Maybury, CGO Racing.

Congratulations to the winning CADETSHIP owners Martin Ive, Rachel Ive, Paramount Racing (Manager: Kathryn Wood), Jason Wise, John Manca, McLeish Family Racing (Manager: David McLeish), Adoreme Racing (Manager: Scott Garbett), Simon Bubear, Nick J Moss, Brett Pund, Steven Isaacs, Foxton Beach Boys RS (Manager: Barry Murphy), David Cohen, Jim Hepburn.