Castle Retreat (Chris Parnham) ran just the way trainer Paul Jordan likes his horses to race –out in front, all the way.
Castle Retreat was too strong in the opening race for Secret Nova (Jason Brown) who followed the winner throughout the race with Star Glitter (Shelby Bowtell) third.
Jordan paid tribute to the riders of the first two horses. “Chris was terrific and Jasno rode an intelligent race. Because the pair didn’t cut each other’s throats, vying for the lead, they were still in the race at the finish,” Jordan said.
The trainer said Castle Retreat would continue to race over the 1000-1200m distance. “He has had a throat operation so we will not extend him at this stage.”
Castle Retreat, a handy galloper, has now won three times from 13 starts with five places.
Jordan also trained the dam of the winner, Clarecastle, with great success.
Chris Parnham said he was never worried at any stage. “I let him roll along today instead of restraining him early and he went well.”
Parnham with 17 winners has now moved to within three wins of his girlfriend, Lucy Warwick (suspended until November 29), in the metropolitan apprentice jockey award.