Early birthday present for veteran trainer

VICTORIAN horseman Gary Quinlan received an early birthday present at Club Menangle last Saturday night.

Quinlan crossed the Murray with rising star mare Miss Ari, which extended her impressive record to six wins and a third from 11 starts.

As such, the daughter of Art Major, which is co-trained by Quinlan’s wife Debbie, gave the veteran a reason to celebrate ahead of his 63rd birthday tomorrow.

“It made for a worthwhile trip and an early birthday gift,” Quinlan said. “I’m 63 and don’t know where the years have gone, but I’m lucky to have spent so many of them with my wife.”

With Blake Fitzpatrick in the cart, Miss Ari was eased away from barrier 10 to be settled towards the tail of the field as Sweet Dream led from gate four.

Taken three-wide leaving the back straight, Miss Ari sustained a strong sprint to score by four-and-a-half metres from Ultimate Diva.

Butter Cup was two metres away third as the winner stopped the clock in 1:54 over 1609 metres.

“We expected a good run from her and she did very well,” Quinlan said. “We have a fair opinion of her and think she can develop into a very nice mare next season.

“For now, she will have another couple of runs in August before we have a go at the Vicbred Super Series in September.”