Land Legend ($8.00) and Zardozi ($7.50) battled out a grandstand finish to the Group 1 Metropolitan Handicap (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with the Chris Waller-trained gelding getting the verdict on the track and in the stewards’ room.
The pair came through the Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) behind Eliyas on September 21 with less than a length between each other, and it proved a similar story on Saturday.
Serpentine ($14.00) and Matusalem ($13.00) ensured a genuine gallop in the 2024 Metropolitan, while well-supported favourite Unusual Legacy ($4.80) appeared to get the gun run two pairs back one-off the rail.
A mid-race move had Land Legend looming up quickly, while Zardozi cruised up to the lead despite travelling on the three-wide line throughout.
It was a ding-dong battle with Land Legend claiming victory, before the ultimate decision would be left to NSW racing stewards.
James Cummings and Zac Lloyd alleged interference at the 400m marker, with Reece Jones and Land Legend rolling to the inside and halting the momentum of Zardozi in the concluding stages.
Stewards elected to dismiss the protest, deeming the interference minimal, and giving Reece Jones his first Group 1 win as a jockey.
2024 Group 1 Metropolitan Handicap Replay – Land Legend
Chris Waller spoke about the perfect placement of this horse before crediting Jones on his first Group 1 victory.
“Obviously the writing was on the wall when he won a St Leger,” said Waller.
“Mr Ho has taken his time with him and James Ferguson handed the reins over to us and he’s just been given plenty of time.
“We picked this race out, I guess six months ago and said we’ll do it third-up and make sure we’ve still got something left for the rest of the spring as well.
“When it was a hard-fought finish I just wondered whether his condition would hold out because he’s actually quite a gross horse, he’s a bit of a bulldog. And he was tough the last 100m.
“I didn’t realise it was his first Group 1 win (for Jones). I just love Sydney riders, he’s here 52 weeks of the year working hard, and he’s a natural lightweight. It’s great.”
Reece Jones spoke to the magnitude of the win and credited Chris Waller for the opportunity to ride his first Group 1 winner.
“That’s unbelievable,” said Jones.
“When he was a little bit tardy into stride and a little bit further back than where I wanted to be I thought it was just going to be a little bit tougher. I just had to keep my cool, let him build into it.
“He was terrific and tough then, to come here and do the same again today, credit to the Waller camp, they’ve got him absolutely spot on for today.
“Just it’s been unreal for everyone that’s kind of helped me get to where I am. I’m just really thankful to Bon Ho and the Waller team for keeping their faith in me and letting me ride him today.”
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