Trainer Mathew Ellerton will be able to have a few extra celebratory drinks after High ‘N’ Dry scored at Flemington.
Ellerton was not on course to witness High ‘N’ Dry win the #Lovethehorse Trophy (1600m) on Saturday, instead he was marrying long-time partner Leah.
The ceremony commenced an hour before High ‘N’ Dry crossed the line to claim his fourth win from 27 starts while taking his prize money to just shy of $300,000.
It was High ‘N’ Dry’s first win since winning in Benchmark 70 grade over Saturday’s course and distance back in January.
Ridden by apprentice Matthew Cartwright, High ‘N’ Dry, the $3 favourite, registered a three-quarter length win from Tatunka ($9.50) with Nordic Price ($16) the same margin off third.
Cartwright partnered High ‘N’ Dry when second to Lyrical Lad over 1600m at Pakenham on December 4 and following the apprentice’s claim on Saturday the gelding was carrying just 52kg.
That was a 7kg drop on the weight he carried at Pakenham.
“I was pretty confident coming in today,” Cartwright said.
“It was a very good run behind a smart one at Pakenham and I’d say he was a bit too good for these today.
“They ran along quite well which suited us and the second horse travelled into it nicely.
“I popped out to give him every chance and let him roll into it and not give the leaders a head start.
“He travelled up really nicely, let down and was too good for them.”
Backers of Darlamax $31) did not get a long run for their money with the gelding losing his rider Luke Currie as the gates opened.
Darlamax galloped off after the field, trailing them home, while Currie walked back into the mounting yard to unsaddle the horse after it was recaptured.