After an incredibly tough week, apprentice Ben Price made an emotional – and triumphant – return to the races at Murray Bridge on Saturday.
A week after losing his mother Belinda following a long battle with pancreatic cancer, the 20-year-old was back in the saddle and fittingly tasted success with his first ride.
Price partnered Michael Hickmott’s debutant Fancify ($7.50) in the second event, the filly defying a wide barrier to come out on top after a duel with odds-on favourite Wally West in the straight.
It was a feel-good moment, providing some positivity after a really difficult period.
Great to see @BpriceBen on the winners list with @mhbloodstock‘s Fancify ???? pic.twitter.com/lMF5Eq4lS9
— Racing SA (@RacingSA) May 27, 2023
“How good. Obviously it’s been a pretty tough time for the family during the week,” Price said.
“I’ve got to thank a lot of my close mates, they’ve been with me the whole way and that’s made it a lot easier.
“Michael filled me with a lot of confidence before the race, said that he thought she could win.
“It was a good feeling (getting the result).”
Hickmott was full of praise for Price and the way he’s handled himself in adversity.
Racing SA is devastated by the passing of Belinda Price. Our hearts go out to all of Belinda’s family and friends at this time ???? pic.twitter.com/eoRPi1XLSj
— Racing SA (@RacingSA) May 22, 2023
“It means a lot for (Ben),” he said.
“When he got on, I said to him ‘this will just win, don’t worry’.
“If the general public knew (the challenges they’ve gone through) and how professional and amazing this kid has been behind the scenes.
“I’m a little bit emotional for him, because he’s such a good kid – and I shouldn’t call him a kid because he’s a man the way he’s handled this.
“I’m so proud of him. Anyone who knows him should be remarkably proud of him.”
Fancify, a full sister to stablemate Unlaced, looks to have a promising future after travelling wide without cover for most of the race and still proving strong in the finish.
“I’ve got a very big opinion of her and I was glad to see that today,” Hickmott said.
Solar Blast secures a treble for @RJollyRacing and @KaylaCrowther2 ???? pic.twitter.com/Nrh2zb07py
— Racing SA (@RacingSA) May 27, 2023
It was a big day at the office for jockey Kayla Crowther and father-daughter training combination Richard and Chantelle Jolly, joining forces for a double together and all going home with trebles.
They bookended the nine-race card with Kalasec and Solar Blast, while Crowther also saluted aboard Garret Lynch’s Smiling Assassin and the Jollys prevailed with smart three-year-old Klabel, Jake Toeroek aboard that one.
“Kayla’s been doing a bit for us and we’ve been having some luck so happy to keep using her,” Jolly said.
Way too easy for Second To Nun.@Clarken_Racingpic.twitter.com/gYn5hOEJdF
— Racing.com (@Racing) May 27, 2023
The most visually impressive performance of the day came from the Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea-prepared Second To Nun, who grew wings in the home straight to storm to a brilliant victory in the seventh race.
The three-year-old filly put the writing on the wall with a flashing fourth last start and she took another step forward.
It was the first win of a running double for jockey Todd Pannell, who also saluted with Shayne Cahill’s The Gov.