Pumper Lifts Grand Marshal

Jim Cassidy lived up to his nickname of “The Pumper” when he dug deep to score on the Chris Waller-trained Grand Marshal in a driving finish with Renew in the Visit Victoria Plate (2800m).

Fresh from his two Group 1 successes last Saturday, Waller didn’t waste any time getting back into the winner’s circle on the most famous day in Australian racing.

Waller paid credit to Cassidy who fought out the close finish with visiting international jockey William Buick who was on Renew for Archie Alexander.

“It was a long sustained effort and full credit to Jim Cassidy who has had three rides on the horse for three wins now,” Waller said.

Waller said that while the main race is obviously the Melbourne Cup, he said owners got a buzz out having their horses race on the big day at Flemington.

“We are very proud to have a winner on Cup Day,” he said.

Waller said Cassidy was at Grand Marshal from the 500m mark and for the last couple of hundred metres he changed places with Renew.

“It’s a long straight,” Waller said.

Waller said he might look at running Grand Marshal in the Sandown Cup (3200m) in two weeks.

Source: The Age