3 minute read

Champion jockey Manoel Nunes’ win aboard Webster in familiar all-emerald colours on Friday brought shades of the best horse he rode in Singapore, Spalato.

The Showcasing three-year-old, who was at only his second start, is raced by Graham Mackie and Trish Dunell, the owners of former champion four-year-old Spalato.

“I’m very pleased I won for Graham and Trish in these colours again,” said the Brazilian jockey.

“We’ve had a great association with Spalato, and I’m glad to be riding this horse (Webster). I rode him at his first start and I’m grateful for the chance to ride him again tonight.

“At his first start, I was told to let him jump where he is happy, and he ran on quite well.

“I didn’t expect him to be so quick tonight. If they weren’t so close to me throughout the race, he would have cleared out for a bigger win.

“But he’s definitely got ability and I think he will get better over more ground.”

Just like Spalato and a lot of the horses Mackie and Dunell brought to Kranji, Webster was bred by Dunell, who is well known in New Zealand racing circles, both for her passion for breeding and as a racing photographer.

Unfortunately, Webster’s all-the-way win in the $75,000 Restricted Maiden race over 1200m was tinged with sadness for Dunell.

“His mum Asaweb (x Secret Savings) broke a hip last year. She was in foal and got too heavy, unfortunately, she didn’t survive,” said Dunell.

“I liked her because she is a half-sister to a very good horse who raced in Hong Kong, Joyful Winner. She was in foal to a new sire called Niagara, but unfortunately, we couldn’t save the foal either.

“But we are so happy Webster - named as such because of the web in Asaweb! - won tonight. I thought Showcasing was a good mating with Asaweb – the Showcasings are not big and there wasn’t much of her and Webster is pretty small as well.

“Dan was not too impressed when he first came to his yard. His head was so hairy, but I told him not to worry, he won a trial back home and he’ll be right.

“We flew over to watch Gilt Complex run in the QEII Cup on Sunday, and it’s a good start to the weekend. I was actually nervous before Webster’s race, but it’s all good now!”

Meagher was indeed delighted he had been able to get his new partnership with the Mackies off to a lovely start.

“I’m so glad for Graham and Trish. It’s our first runner together and it’s our first winner now,” said the Australian handler.

“He’s only a small horse and I will space his runs from now on. He was quite immature when he first came to us, but I took my time with him.

“As everyone would know by now, I trial my horses quite often, and this one was no different. It was more to build him up mentally; he is what he is, he is very raw, very new.”