The 2021 Massey Ferguson Woodend Cup was won by Ballarat-trained galloper Protection Money on Saturday.
It was the five-year-old’s fifth win from 18 starts, and he had not raced since last October.
Trained by Nigel Blakiston, Protection Money started as an $8.50 chance as his best form had been over longer distances than the 1875m
at Kyneton.
Ridden by Neil Farley, who came from England to ride and work here in 2018, Protection Money was allowed to settle back in the field, but moved up to third place near the 400m mark.
He continued to run on strongly and beat the well-fancied Lorente by just under a length, with outsider and topweight Thunder Cloud in third place.
The Woodend Cup was the feature event on Kyneton and Hanging Rock Race Club’s eight-event program.
LOCAL WINNER
Kyneton trainer Mick Sell was pleased with the effort of Magnum Bullet, an impressive winner in a 1212m Maiden Plate for three-year-olds.
Raced by a large number of stable clients, Magnum Bullet showed ability in his previous six runs, and had a fourth and fifth placing at his home track to his credit.
By Magnus from Silesia, Magnum Bullet was a $9.50 chance and showed he has matured since going for a spell in mid-December.
Magnum Bullet delighted connections by winning from 1.8 lengths for the George Osborne-trained gelding Delightful Journey, who should show improvement from the experience gained under race conditions.
The punters who decided to take the local gallopers in a quinella received a handsome $79.50 payout.
Craig Robertson had the winning ride.
Apprentice Laura Lafferty took riding honours with a double, winning aboard The Turffinator and Sleek Acheeva.
Mornington-based trainers Amy and Ash Yargi took training honors with a double.
