Racing: Pike gets one back for Kiwis

SYDNEY- Orpington became the first New Zealand-trained horse to win at Sydney's racing carnival this autumn with a gutsy win in a 1400m welter.

It may have been the minor race on Saturday's card, with prizemoney of A$70,000 ($84,100) compared to the A$2 million on offer for the day's classic event, the AJC Derby, but that was far from Cambridge trainer Tony Pike's mind.

"At last one for the Kiwis," he said grinning, as his owners, all Australians, celebrated in the mounting yard.

Orpington was an unlucky fourth at Rosehill nine days ago after missing the start, but he pinged out of the gates on Saturday and sat third on a hot pace before hitting the lead at the 300m mark.

Horses out wide on the track challenged him, most notably Triple Dee who lunged at him late, but Orpington held on in a photo finish, winning by a short half-head.

Orpington, who had solid support in the bookies' ring, galloped a sound 1:23 for the 1400m and could be in for a profitable autumn.

"It was a really gutsy performance," said jockey Craig Newitt.

Pike also paid tribute to the horse's courage and said that if he pulled up well he might be aimed at a 1400m race at Hawkesbury in two weeks.

- NZPA