Written off by many as a spent force, All American has silenced his critics in style in the $30,000 Wanganui Cup.
Trained locally at the Wanganui course by Evan Rayner and his daughter JJ, All American gave the partnership one of their biggest thrills in racing on Saturday.
Evan Rayner has trained since 1969 and while he has trained the most winners of any on the Wanganui track, he had not won the local cup.
"I've trained some big winners over the years, but this was especially emotional for us because we've not only won the cup, but we've won it with a nine-year-old we've had since he was a yearling," Evan Rayner said.
"He's won at least one race every year he's raced and he's raced every year since he was two. He's even won over hurdles.
"I guess some may have written him off as a spent force, but All American has always been capable.
"It's just he's so spooky and gets himself in all sorts of bother in his races. He needs everything going his way to win and the running of the cup today was made to order.
"Trilliant made it for us with a fast pace which strung the field out a bit.
"We drew one and he just doesn't like being on the fence, so Lofty [jockey Paul Taylor] was able to dig him out off the fence and run home down the middle. It was a terrific ride."
All American is owned by a syndicate of 12, including rugby personalities Doug Rollerson and former All Black coach John Hart.
"I got a call after the race and they tell me Doug had $50 each way and John had $5 to win and $50 a place," Rayner said.
Not a bad investment with All American paying $28.10 for the win and $6.55 a place.
Rayner said All American would more than likely be aimed at the Manawatu and Startford Cups.
"He's tough as we've seen in the past. Last season he raced in the Auckland, New Zealand Cup and Wellington Cups, but this season we've missed the nominations.
"I might look at a late entry for the Wellington Cup - I know the owners are keen."
- NZPA
Racing: Emotional hometown win for Rayners
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