The bold decision to come to the other side of the world with Gordon Lord Byron had plenty of Irish eyes smiling at Rosehill after the gelding beat a classy field in the George Ryder Stakes on Saturday.
His group one win also cemented the efforts by NSW racing authorities to attract overseas visitors to Sydney for the autumn. Trainer Tom Hogan is one who is happy to be here after plotting an international path for the 6-year-old which will include one more race in Sydney.
Ridden midfield with supreme confidence by Craig Williams, Gordon Lord Byron ($19) made his move inside the final 100m to edge Speediness ($26) by a short neck.
Three-year-old El Roca ($7) held on for third another three-quarters of a length away after leading from the barriers, while favourite Red Tracer ($3.70) was never a chance, finishing 10th of the 16 runners.
"We have had a lot of help here," Hogan said. "The facilities have been wonderful. The quarantine has been a bit long but once he came to Sydney he's been great.
