Munce Racing had two horses at Beaudesert on Tuesday and after A Little Wicked took out the fourth race on the card, Brialka Lodge closed the day with a win in the last, the AUSTRLIA DAY RACES Colts, Geldings & Entires Benchmark 58 Handicap over the 1400metres.

This win gave the gelding his second win from as many starts for his new trainer Chris Munce.  His first win came off a 357day layoff, so for the horse to go back to back was a thrill for the trainer and owners.

With Anthony Allen on board again, the gelding was given a great ride by the jockey and from the outset had the run of the race.  Jumping from barrier seven Allen let the horse drift back to the inside rail and settle a length back in third position.  With 400metres to go Brialka Lodge was back in fourth but still only a length and a half off the front runners and waiting for the right time to make a move.  As the field turned for home Allen pulled Brialka Lodge off the inside rail and out from behind the leaders to begin his run to the post.  By the time they hit the 100metre mark there was three across the track and Champagne Rock was coming home with a late run.  However Brialka Lodge was able to give a final kick and crossed the finish line less than half a length in front of Champagne Rock with Our Clarky back in third.  In fact, the first four horses all finished within a length of each other.

Trainer Chris Munce said it was a great thrill to see the horse get his second win from just his second start for the stables.  ‘Anthony put him in a good competitive spot, getting him to settle up behind the speed.  He definitely had the box seat in that run.  The horse has improved immensely each time he has gone the races and I think he is now in the right form and mindset to try and pick off a little midweek race.’ he said.

The 6-year-old chestnut gelding is by champion stallion Hotel Grand, winner of two Group 1 races in the Spring Champion Stakes and the Randwick Guineas. He is out of the Orpen (USA) mare Absent Annie.

Congratulations to owners Mrs A T Durrington and Mr B H Durrington

[Photos courtesy of Grant Peters, Trackside Photography]