Racing: Veyron silences Laing's doubts

Veyron. Photo / Paul Estcourt

The bottom of a racehorse's feed bin is nowhere near as attractive as a winner's cheque for $118,750.

However, this weekend the two elements have had similar appeal to Cambridge trainer Linda Laing.

Yes, Laing savoured Veyron's stylish victory in Saturday's $200,000 Haunui Farm Classic at Otaki every bit as much as you would expect, but even greater riches could be seen at the bottom of Veyron's empty feed bin both sides of the group one race.

Laing needed to know the giant Veyron was as tough as his physical presence suggested by being able to cope with his first trip away from his cosy stable at home.

A million-dollar trip to Australia further down the track depended on it.

Laing wasn't sure heading into it, but was greatly relieved when Veyron cleaned up his feed on Friday night at Otaki and again at home on Saturday night.

Australia confirmed its place on the radar more strongly, but there is still no certainty when that may be.

Laing says she has multiple factors to consider before making a decision with her owners.

"One option is trying to win the Easter again, but he'd get plenty of weight, another is to tip him out [spell] now and aim for the first two legs of the Hastings treble in the spring."

Laing has a third option of ignoring both the above and aiming for an Australian attack.

"There are a lot of things to consider before we make a final decision. I'll have a good talk to Dad."

Dad, former trainer Royce Dowling, devotes all his time these days to fishing as opposed to a lot of time before his retirement. But his advice is always keenly sought by his daughter.

"When you go to Australia, you have to target Australia," says Linda Laing, "You can't tack it on to the end of a New Zealand campaign.

"Dad has been very successful in Australia and he's always been very firm on the belief that you target an Australian race and stick to it.

"You have to go over there on the way up and not on the way down."

Although Saturday's race was always a natural target, it was every bit as much a test for Veyron.

"I'd rather blow a tyre going to Otaki than to Sydney."

Sydney may have come a fraction closer when Linda Laing thought about the Hastings spring treble.

"We all know how hard it is to get horses ready to win August races here on our wet spring tracks."

Two other factors gave Laing pleasure - repaying jockey Mark Hills with the winning ride for the work he had offered the stable through an awkward time. And particularly the vindication of Veyron.

"All week I'd heard how Mufhasa sat three wide when we beat him at Te Rapa and how Guiseppina lost four lengths at the start in that race.

"My horse beat the others fair and square this time and I'm very proud of him."

With every justification.

HAUNUI CLASSIC

* Veyron puts together back-to-back group one victories.

* The big chestnut took a giant step towards guaranteeing a trip to Australia.
* Exactly when that will be has yet to be decided.