Racing: Gillies books Riccarton mount

Daatldomee impressed Matthew Gillies in his win at Washdyke yesterday. Photo / Supplied

Matthew Gillies is looking forward to riding Daatldomee in the Koral and Grand National Steeplechases at Riccarton next month, after success aboard the gelding in a steeple at Washdyke yesterday.

"I was very impressed. He could have won by a lot more. He jumped well," Gillies said.

"He was stepping up in distance and I am confident about his stamina."

The Cambridge-based Gillies was riding Daatldomee for the first time and the Istidaad gelding won by eight lengths over 4280m.

Daatldomee had won a 3300m maiden steeple at Oamaru at his previous start on June 30.

Gary Walsh, who rode Daatldomee at Oamaru, opted for Zador, who finished fourth, 18 lengths astern yesterday.

Daatldomee, owned and trained at Rangiora by Jean Schulter, ran second to Lizac in the Homeby Steeples (3300m) at Riccarton last month.

The Koral is over 4250m on August 6 and the National over 5600m a week later.

Gillies has ridden over Riccarton country but not in those races.

He rode Mr Charlton to finish second to High Season in the 2009 Grand National Hurdles.

Gillies also won the open hurdle yesterday on Borrack as substitute for Cody Singer, who had a mandatory three-week stand down down after sustaining concussion at Oamaru on June 30.

Borrack is unbeaten in three starts over hurdles. Singer is employed by Adrian Bull, the Hunterville trainer of Borrack.

It was a great day for Bull as his former handy flat galloper Butch James notched his first win over country when easily winning the maiden steeplechase in the hands of replacement rider Cory Perrett.

Jo Rathbone, the declared rider for Butch James, sustained severe bruising after a fall from Belinus in the maiden hurdle yesterday.

She had x-rays at Timaru hospital and returned to the track later in the day.

Rathbone won the Wellington Hurdles on Honey and a maiden hurdle on Gioarchino at Trentham on Saturday.

Both horses are trained at Wanganui by Kevin Myers.

Ishiabeel repeated her win of last year in the Winter Cup Trial yesterday and gave trainer Terri Rae her fourth successive win in the race.

Rae also won with Don't Say Clang in 2008 and '09. Don't Say Clang was scratched yesterday when he did not satisfy Rae with his condition.

He had finished second to Flying Alibi in the Winter Cup Trial at Ashburton a week earlier.

Don't Say Clang will now be considered for the Winter Cup Trial at Waterlea next Sunday or a 1400m race at Oamaru the following week.

Ishiabeel and Don't Say Clang are set to clash in the $100,000 Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton on August 6.

Don't Say Clang ran third to Taking The Mickey and The Twist in the 2009 Winter Cup.

Ishiabeel finished 12th last year when second favourite.