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Matthew Cahill, the respected bush-based jockey, rode his first city winner for the season on Montauk in the Group 3 $150,000 Summer Cup (2000m) at Royal Randwick on Tuesday.
Cahill had a rare ride for the Chris Waller stable and made it count with a well-judged effort on a stayer who is not the easiest to ride.
Waller’s stable representative Charlie Duckworth summed up Montauk’s win when he said: “I thought he was beautifully ridden.’’
“Matthew was given some advice from Glyn (Schofield) and Brenton (Avdulla) as they obviously know the horse well,’’ Duckworth said.
“They told him the horse needs to be cuddled and that he doesn’t respond to whip.
“He (Cahill) didn’t go for the whip and managed to near enough cuddle him all the way to the line.
“I don’t think Montauk quite knew that he won!”
Montauk ($12) scored just his sixth win at his 36th start when he responded to Cahill’s hands-and-heels riding to edge past early Red Excitement ($5.50) who was brave in his attempt to win a second successive Summer Cup. Testashadow ($6) was closing late for third, a half length further back, while Mighty Lucky ran on for fourth.
Cahill, who has ridden over 1200 winners during his career, won his first stakes race in five years with Montauk.
“It’s a nice Christmas present to come to the city and win this race,’’ Cahill said.
“Montauk is a funny sort of horse, he has got ability but is tricky to ride. We were tracking a little wide early so I let him go forward and follow the leader then he kept sticking his head out in the straight.’’ – Ray Thomas, The Daily Telegraph