Inverell trainers claim early Christmas presents at Moree

The Jo Methven-trained Better Tomorrow wins at Moree. Image: Bradley Photos.

On Saturday, Jo Methven, Brodie Fenton, and Ridge Wilson dominated Moree Race Club’s annual Christmas meeting, winning half the program on a successful day for Inverell-based trainers.

For Methven, it was her first winner in a decade after recently rejoining the training ranks.

Methven’s last winner was in 2014 when Duelling Goddess, ridden by the late Darren Jones, won at Inverell.

Racing Better Tomorrow ($4.80) at Moree, it was the trainer’s fourth starter back as her seven-year-old prevailed in the 1600m Class One/Maiden Plate.

Kody Nestor took the ride, and the pair raced just behind the early speed battle before peeling three and four wide and storming to a half-length victory.

The very next race, it was Brodie Fenton training his first winner since June, with Irish Arthur ($3.40) breaking his maiden status with the 950m Maiden Handicap.

Ridden by Clayton Gallagher, the Inverell galloper raced in fourth position as another speed battle ensued before the five-year-old came into the race four and five wide.

Irish Arthur managed to maintain a sustained run and was too strong for his rivals, winning by a half-length.

Making it a trifecta of Inverell winners, the in-form Ridge Wilson scored another victory with Lesgo Don ($5) too good in the 1400m Benchmark 50 Handicap.

Georgina McDonnell was in the saddle, and from gate two, the four-year-old was hustled up to take the lead before making every post a winner and recording a gutsy victory.

Dean Smith breaks through at Gunnedah

It was another breakthrough win as Dean Smith enjoyed a victory at Gunnedah last Saturday, December 7.

Racing King’s Gold, Smith scored his first winner in just over two years when triumphing in the 1000m Benchmark 58 Handicap.

Jake Pracey-Holmes was in the saddle as the five-year-old was taken to the front before powering to a dominant two-and-a-half-length victory.

Ridge Wilson scores at Armidale

Ridge Wilson was in the winner’s circle at Armidale on Sunday, December 8, with Purple Esprit ($4.60) a very nice winner in the 1100m Benchmark 58 Handicap.

Shae Wilkes took the ride for the Inverell stable, and the pair finished strongly to record an impressive victory.

The four-year-old Bel Esprit mare appears to have some upside, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see her set for a Highway Handicap this preparation or next.

Todd Payne lands sensational Tamworth win

Leading off a successful December for Inverell trainers was Todd Payne at Tamworth on Monday, December 2.

Racing the well-named Sensational Reward ($4), apprentice jockey Cobi Vitler scored the good opportunity and triumphed on the seven-year-old in the 1400m Benchmark 58 Handicap.

Going to the front from gate three, there was no catching the Inverell galloper, which led throughout and won by two and a half lengths.