The Country Championship Final (1400m) will be heading the way of the Riverina as Asgarda (+3300) caused a major upset at Royal Randwick on Saturday, claiming a dominant victory in the $1 million feature.
Kayla Nisbet produced a career highlight steer aboard the daughter of The Brothers War, managing to slot into the perfect mid-field position with cover throughout, in what was a relatively sedate run affair.
Musical Affair (+8000) had it all her own way up on speed throughout the journey, however, when the whips were cracking, all the best work was being done down the centre of the course.
The Doug Gorrel-trained Asgarda loomed large with 400m to go, putting away the leading pack, but still had to fight off the late challenges of Gallant Star (+1100) and Tribeca Star (+800).
The duo made a late charge for the lead, but it was all in vain as Asgarda was already off and gone with the prize, displaying a stunning turn-of-speed to secure victory by 1.15 lengths on the wire.
2024 Country Championship Final Replay – Asgarda
There were emotional scenes on course as connections celebrated, with Doug Gorrel speaking to the media in the aftermath.
“it’s just the most wonderful feeling,” said Gorrel.
“That horse has been entrusted to us by Kooringal Stud and this big fella Lance Gilbert (breeder) from Griffith and all his mates, it’s just a dream come true.
“My kids and my wife are here, I can’t believe it. I really can’t.
“She’s a lovely horse, we knew we had a really nice horse but they don’t give these races away.
“She’s $21 for a reason, she’s supposed to finish midfield and she’s won the bloody thing.”
Kayla Nisbet was on elated with the win and spoke to what it means for country trainers, jockeys and connections alike.
“It’s a huge thrill,” said Nisbet.
“I was just saying, we say time and time again what a great initiative this has been for country participants, but to be able to win it is a huge thrill.
“It’s given all country participants an achievable goal to strive for and to be able to win it is very exciting.
“She’s so easy to ride, she really helps herself, she always bounces well and puts herself up on the speed.
“Her last couple of runs I’ve probably ridden her a bit out of her comfort zone just because they’ve been in ordinary fields and I haven’t wanted to get in behind too many of them.
“Today, with good speed and a good draw, I knew we were going to get a nice run in behind them and she just showed an electric turn of foot.”
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