Trainer Ciaron Maher’s pre-race advice echoed in Steven Pateman’s thoughts as he guided Stern Idol down to the foot of the hill during the Brierly Steeplechase at Warrnambool.
Pateman partnered Tuesday’s $2.10 market leader at the Tozer Road double in the 3450m steeplechase, which served as the highlight on the first day of the three-day Warrnambool Carnival.
“When I’m in a race, I can hear Ciaron’s instructions in the back of my mind,” Pateman told racing.com.
“And Ciaron actually said, don’t be dragging him around that turn, a big horse and with that recent rain on the ground.
“He did slip a little bit on the ground, and it was probably lucky that Aaron Lynch booted up (on Castrofrancaru), and I didn’t start pulling him around.”
Stern Idol shouldered a contemporary record of 75kg en route to triumph in Tuesday’s contest, surpassing the 73kg he bore to success in the 2024 version.
After being overtaken following his lead up to the base of the hill, Stern Idol reclaimed the front with 1000m remaining before powering to a 4-½ length victory over Hit The Road Jack ($2.60), while Castrofrancaru ($15) finished another 2-½ lengths back in third.
Pateman noted that Stern Idol being passed after the Tozer Road double ignited the gelding’s determination.
“Once they headed him, he said ‘hang on a minute’,” Pateman said.
“He felt like he had 55 kilos on his back, not 75 (kg). He’s a big unit and I’m just lucky.
“He’s super special.”
Maher cherishes his annual trips to Warrnambool, where he honed his skills initially as a jumps rider and later with a modest team in the coastal location.
His operation has expanded into one of Australia’s largest yards, yet he retains affection for the jumpers, with Stern Idol’s win marking his fifth in the Brierly Steeplechase.
Maher confessed to some anxiety when the placegetters veered inside Stern Idol and cut back to the main track, but he commended Pateman’s composure.
“I was a bit nervous at the bottom of the hill, but Steve was cool, calm and collected,” Maher said.
“He’s been such a good horse over a number of years, and it is a credit to the entire team and the owners as well.”
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