McGruddy Stands Tall In Diggers Cup Victory
Inspired by the Anzac Day service at Kings Park, Shaun McGruddy produced a perfect tactical ride aboard Currimundi to win the Diggers Cup (1800m) at Ascot.
Three weeks after winning the Albany Cup over 2100m, the Steve Wolfe-trained Currimundi proved too strong and upset the winning run of favourite Tin Chooks.
Starting at $7, Currumundi defeated $2.80 market leader Tin Chooks by half a length with a long-neck separating third placed, Ghobella.
McGruddy had Currimundi settled midfield, but his decision to go forward and move ahead of Tin Chooks passing the 800m post proved pivotal.
Tin Chooks’ four race winning streak came to an end but the Listed winner of the Old Comrade Stakes (1600m) two weeks ago was gallant in defeat.
A race he desperately wanted to win, McGruddy, waved his whip in celebration passing the line and dedicated the Diggers Cup to his grandfather.
“My pop, Raymond Holloway Sr, fought in World War 2 with six of his brothers and they all came back, thank god,” McGruddy said.
“My wife’s pop, Mr Anderson fought in World War 2 as well.
“This is the first year I haven’t had to ride track work a lot and this morning I went to my first ever Anzac Day service.
“I was just so hoping I could win it for my pop.
“I actually got off the winner back in about 2004, I had two rides for the race and chose the wrong one.
“I’m just rapt to win it today.”
Currimundi was one of two runners in the Diggers Cup for Wolfe with stable mate River Rubicon finishing ninth for jockey, Jarrad Noske.
The veteran horseman has maintained a high opinion of five-year-old Currimundi who improved his record to 10 wins from 29 starts.
Although successful in winning the Albany Cup (2100m), Wolfe won’t be considering the Perth Cup (2400m) for the son of Playing God.
“The horse has always shown plenty,” Wolfe said.
“It’s taken a while to get there, but now we’ll keep him on ice until the spring hopefully.
“He’s come a long way and I think he’s a mile and 1800m horse.
“Like the other horse they’re not far off the top level.
“He’s a nice horse and we’ll look after him.
“We bred him, so he doesn’t owe us anything.”
Julio Santarelli