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Chris Waller still might not have the group-1 success he craves for the Inghams, but days like this training for the esteemed racing clan might be every bit as special.
“You’ve got no idea how satisfying it is,” Waller said after the Ingham-owned Forever Crazy, Sensualism (pictured) and Hoylonny clinched the first three races at Rosehill on Saturday.
“I told them Forever Crazy was their best and then we’ll go from there. It’s my best day for them and you couldn’t train for better people or a more beautiful family. I’m very proud of what’s happened.”
Hoylonny’s win (at $31) was extra significant considering the out-of-sorts gelding was the last horse Norma Ingham, the matriarch of the racing family, was involved in before her death four years ago.
“It was mum’s last horse she bought,” a tearful Lyn Ingham said.
Waller still phones Bob Ingham every Friday to discuss the family’s horses – among other things – and their chat will be a whole lot sweeter this week. Catkins has been knocking on the door for a breakthrough group 1 win for Waller and the Inghams, but they are having no problems in restricted races.
Forever Crazy ($6.50) benefited from rising sharply in trip to 1900 metres after being forced to run over the unsuitable 1400m last start, leading home a stable trifecta, which included Scarletini and Made To Order.
And Sensualism ($8.50) rocketed home down the outside for a last-stride win from the in-form All Salsa and My Sabeel to repeat the dose 35 minutes later.
Waller suggested the mare was “very close” to being shuffled out of his all-conquering yard last preparation, but will likely race on with a couple of city wins to her name.
“Just confidence,” Waller said of the key to her turnaround. “It’s a simple as that. That’s a really good example of it. She started at the provincials and she won a moderate midweek race. Her next run was good and today was the right grade. Yes it’s a Saturday race, but it was the right race. We put the blinkers on and she was rock-hard fit.
“Today was an important race for her. There will be a nice race for her down the track, but we don’t get too carried away.”
Tye Angland, who has struck a red-hot combination with Waller since returning from Hong Kong, piloted Forever Crazy and last-start Grafton Cup struggler Hoylonny, while Jason Collett provided the middle pin of the early Waller hat-trick.
Forever Crazy and Made To Order loomed as winners in the opener, after finding their rivals over seven furlongs too sharp last start, and the latter got the upper hand late.
“We tried to keep both horses fresh for their last starts, but it came down to tempo of the race,” Waller said. “Today, at their right distances, it was a different story. Straight away … Made To Order and Forever Crazy don’t have a race to run in, so that’s a problem.”
Added Angland: “[Forever Crazy] began a lot smarter today and actually put herself in a position. I actually came back and let one cross me because I was probably going to get too close, and Made To Order was going to be one of the horses to beat.
“Her runs here have been a tad short. If you watch all her replays she’s been getting home late. She’s going well.”