Winning jockey Kerron Khelawan was the happiest man at Santa Rosa Park on Monday, after he guided Thisonesforron to the first Gold Cup success of his career.
The John Leotaud-trained Thisonesforron was confidently ridden by Khelawan and scored an impressive two-lengths victory in the feature event, the 2016 Gold Cup over 2,000 metres.
When asked how he felt after the run, Khelawan responded, “I knew I was riding the best horse in training and most of all, I was certain he was the best prepared horse in the race. He has proven us right. The trainer and John O’Brien told me to hold him up just like I did in the President’s Cup and let his speed tell at the end.”
He pointed that, “Going into the race, he was already the leading money spinner and with this win he has pulled even further clear of his rivals. He now looks set for the Horse Of The Year title.”
He continued, “When the starter sent us on our way, Ron broke well but I remembered the words of the connection and I quickly took him back and played the ‘Patience Game’. Going around the first turn I was in about seventh position behind Conquest Bespoke. However, going down the back, I began to take closer order and at the far turn, I asked him to get closer to the leaders. It was at this point that I knew the race was over, as he began to cruise up to the leaders Conquest Bespoke and Teniente Coronel. At the corner he was simply galloping over his rivals and when I said go he quickly quickened clear for an impressive success.”
When asked why he switch Thisonesforron to the inside of the track at the 300 metres marker, sporting a half-a-smile he said, “I wanted him to change his lead but most of all I wanted to ensure I would be able to see anyone coming to challenge. They would have to come past me on my right. But, all went well and I am elated for the victory and I am very happy for both John O’Brien who owns him and John Leotaud who trained him. He won really well and I thank the connections for giving me the biggest success of career to date.”
The Great Friend-owned five-year-old brown horses was sent off as the 2-1 second favourite behind the Shivam Maharaj owned five-year-old gelding Teniente Coronel, which finished third . However, Conquest Bespoke which is also owned by Maharaj upstaged his stablemate to be second.
The leading owner will have to wait another year to win his first Gold Cup because of the exploits of an American bred equine thoroughbred call Thisonesforron.