Pike Lands Caulfield Cup Ride
William Pike said he is delighted to have secured a ride on French import Port Guillaume in the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 17.
Port Guillaume is a $15 chance with Tabtouch to win the Caulfield Cup and will be prepared in Australia by Tom Dabernig and Ben Hayes.
“It’s a great opportunity and I’m thrilled that I have been given the chance to ride in such a prestigious race,” Pike told The Races WA.
“It’s been in the pipeline for a little while, but to get it done and have it confirmed is a great relief.
“I have to thank Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig and connections in trusting me with the ride and hopefully I can do it well.
“The horse travelled well and I hopefully can get a look at him at Werribee later in the week.
“I know his form has been very good in Europe, despite his last run when I understand he was well beaten.
“It’s great to be involved in a race like the Caulfield Cup, I’m looking forward to it.”
Port Guillaume won four of his first five races and had excuses at his previous start when favourite in the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris (2400m) at Longchamp on September 3.
Pike’s booking on Port Guillaume helps soothe a frustrating day at Flemington on Saturday when he failed to boot home a winner on the nine-race card.
Julio Santarelli