Mount Stewart scores first-up win in his Australian debut

Warrnambool trainer Simon Ryan has showed his class with stayers producing Mount Stewart to win at his Australian debut at Coleraine.

An imported Irish-bred seven-year-old, Mount Stewart won the Cassign Handicap (3350m) on Thursday at his second career start.

At his only other start, Mount Stewart was successful over 3261m in the UK last November.

Mount Stewart was purchased with a jumping career in mind and as part of his preparation for Thursday’s win the gelding had won two hurdle schools at Warrnambool.

Ridden by Teo Nugent, Mount Stewart was well-backed to start the $2.70 favourite and scored by a length from Cracksman ($3.40) with Allaboutattitude ($4.60) a further two-and-a-quarter lengths away third.

“He’s a really good stayer. He was handled beautifully by Teo,” Ryan said.

“A big thanks to Braidon Small. He’s done so much work with him.

“We had Dormello Mo that came from the same sort of environment. He could quicken and win over a mile-and-a-half or two miles whereas this horse is not as quick, but is a really strong stayer.

“It bodes well for him going forward. He’s been bought to run in some of the feature jumps races and he’ll get right out in trip.

“He’s got a beautiful jumping technique, a beautiful horse to train, he’s sound and well-tempered.”

Nugent said Mount Stewart would not be out of place in staying at The Valley.

“He’s got a big future over the staying trip,” Nugent said.

“Even around the 3000 metres at Moonee Valley or a nice Flemington trip could be his go.”

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au

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