Racing: Dedication pays again

Richard Cully rides Logan James over a jump in the Manawatu Steeplechase yesterday. Photo / NZPA

Richard Cully is the type of jockey who sums up the dedication and toughness of jumps racing - particularly his association with yesterday's Manawatu Steeplechase winner Logan James.

The Ross Elliot-trained 8-year-old had a well-deserved victory in the $25,000 feature.

Cully has ridden Logan James in his last four starts for two wins, a fall and a "lost rider" performance.

Most jockeys would be asking serious questions about sticking with a horse that has a knack of losing their rider.

Not Cully or the talented Cambridge-based trainer Elliot.

Logan James dodged an early skirmish in which three runners lost their chance and the gelding was nicely positioned in third place before pressing forward to lead.

Cully put the pressure on with 600m remaining, turning the event into a true staying test. In the home straight they eased down at the finish to defeat the favourite Nana and In Ya Dreams (third).

None of the riders in the skirmish was seriously injured.

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Jonathan Riddell made a triumphant return to jumps racing teaming up with the well-performed Ho Down to win the $25,000 Manawatu ITM Awapuni Hurdles.

Last Saturday Riddell was in Brisbane reflecting on the disappointment of finishing unplaced on the highly regarded The Hombre in the $505,000 (Group One) Queensland Derby.

The Hombre had been a star at the Queensland carnival but failed to fire in the Derby after some impressive lead up form.

Riddell has shown considerable determination to reduce his riding weight and showed his class and balance in booting home Ho Down.

Ho Down settled back in the field during the opening stages of the 2900m event before working forward at the 700m mark to challenge and pouncing on the leaders on the home turn.

Riddell allowed Ho Down to balance himself perfectly before effortlessly jumping the final fence. He eased down Ho Down at the finish well clear of Mickey and Victory Morgan (third).

Hastings trainer Paul Nelson has compiled a good hurdling record with the gelding scoring four wins and five minor placings from 18 starts.

Ho Down was at the centre of a post-race stipendiary steward's inquiry after a last-start fourth placing at Ellerslie where nothing was found amiss with trainer, jockey or horse.