
Old-school punters found their omen bet in Diwali, who claimed the Listed Sandown Cup (3200m) on Sunday at Sandown.
The race was staged as part of Australian Hurdle and Steeplechase Day, having moved from its traditional spring slot.
Trained by Gavin Bedggood, Diwali’s win stirred memories of a namesake who triumphed in the 1982 Australian Steeplechase.
Fittingly, Bedggood also rode three Australian Steeplechase winners before turning to training.
With Joe Bowditch aboard, Diwali ($10) surged to a 2¾-length victory over $2.80 favourite Through Irish Eyes, with Alma Rise ($3.50) in third.
“He had been running well over a mile-and-a-half and this race was there,” Bedggood said.
“We thought with the right run, it was worth a try.”
Diwali is now set to target the Deane Lester Flemington Cup (2800m) on July 19.
“We might go three weeks, three weeks into that race,” Bedggood added.
Bowditch praised the trainer, saying: “Can’t this bloke train a racehorse… I wouldn’t put anything past Gavin.”