Ferdinand Boy finds another ‘skyline’ in Horizon

Flying Ferdinand Boy keeps chasing new horizons on his ‘mission of greatness’.

And he went to another ‘sphere’ in tonight’s inaugural ‘The Horizon’ final (440m) at Sale. Unbelievably, with 22 wins from 38 starts, he’s still exploring!

Trained by David Geall, Ferdinand Boy (Box 2) took a couple of strides to get going and then had to fend off local hero and G3 Great Chase winner Dr. Tucker (Box 8) who made a real race of it. (Dr. Tucker was chasing his fourth win in a row since returning from five months on the sidelines due to a hock injury.)

In a thrilling finish, Ferdinand Boy ($2.30F) defeated Dr. Tucker ($3.60) by 0.36L, with Dream Wizard ($7.40) a further 1.33L away third in a slick 24.59sec. It was his ninth win from his past 12 starts.

The G2 Ballarat Cup and G2 Shepparton Cup winner snared a $25,000 winner’s cheque, lifting his prizemoney to $193,220.

“He’s like his ‘uncle’ (My Redeemer) and ‘aunty’ (Up Hill Jill). He’s got a competitive streak in him.”

“Soon as the lids went up, I thought we were in strife,” Geall told SEN Track moments after the win.

“To his credit, he drove up hard – there wasn’t a lot of room. He’s such a hard chaser.

“It’s a big thrill, there’s been a massive build up to it… I could see him (Dr. Tucker) out of the corner of my eye, and I didn’t think we were far enough in front.

“But this dog does dig deep, he doesn’t like to be beaten. He’s a very competitive dog.

“He’s like his ‘uncle’ (My Redeemer) and ‘aunty’ (Up Hill Jill). He’s got a competitive streak in him.

“He had the ‘wow factor’ from day one… He could lead a Group 1 after only three trials. My granddaughter called him ‘Lightning’; he’s pretty aptly named.

“But Group races over ‘500’, that’ll be his problem. He does get tired; I don’t mind admitting it.”

WATCH: Ferdinand Boy (2) showed enormous heart to claim the $25,000 first prize after a ding-dong duel with local star DR. TUCKER (8) in the home straight, while the lamplighter Dream Wizard (1) finished 3rd.