There was some divine intervention with the win of Nautical Miss at Randwick, the mare representing the stable of Group 1-winning trainer Gwenda Markwell who lost her battle with cancer over the weekend.
While Nautical Miss officially competed for Ross McConville, Markwell’s long-time racing manager and business partner, Markwell’s influence was clear.
Jockey Alysha Collett dedicated the Midway Handicap (1800m) victory to the late trainer, who played an important role in the early stages of the former New Zealander’s riding career.
“I’m pretty sure I heard Gwenda in the corner of my ear with about 200 metres to go and I thought, ‘I’d better go’,” Collett said.
“This is the most fitting thing for Gwenda to win this race, much respect to everyone that knows her, and to her.
“I’m really thankful to Gwenda because when I first got here, I struggled to get rides at the provincials and at Kembla Grange, and she put me on the triallers, she gave me an opportunity.”
Collett executed a beautiful ride on Nautical Miss ($6.50), tucking her in behind the leader to protect her from the strong headwind before setting her alight in the straight.
She scored by a length over Reginald ($10), with Onemore Sapphire ($8.50) third.