Group One celebrations on hold

HE’S on “cloud nine” at the moment, but admits he will come crashing to earth by morning.

In the middle of a long drive home, Nathan Turnbull stated the glory of registering his maiden Group One win, which came via Better Be The Best at Club Menangle tonight, will quickly take a back seat.

Living up to his name a few hours ago, Better Be The Best captured a New South Wales Breeders’ Challenge True Blue Final.

Normally such a victory would entail a sizable celebration upon his arrival at home, but for Turnbull any partying will have to wait.

“We will get home about 2:30 and have to leave for the trots again at 10:30,” Turnbull explained.

“There are also plenty of horses to work before we leave so this celebration is in the bank for another time.

“It’s all business at the moment as I have 20 racing over the next three days, including nine at Blayney tomorrow.

“Between now and getting home when we unload the float and try to catch a bit of sleep I’ll remain on cloud nine.”

With Turnbull holding the reins, Better Be The Best worked forward to find the lead from barrier nine before cruising to an emphatic 29-metre win from his stablemate Mister Quirk.

Queenslander was five metres away third in 1:52.3 over a mile.

“To win my first Group One is amazing and to get the quinella is something else,” Turnbull said.

“As I crossed the line I had so many emotions, relief, excitement and pride all rolled into one.

“It is pretty special to do something my grandfather and father have done before me.”

Set to enjoy a well-earned break, Better Be The Best will be aimed at several majors next season, including the New South Wales Derby.

“He’ll go straight to the paddock now,” Turnbull said. “I’ll have to sit down with his owner to discuss plans, but he has the three-year-old leg of the Bathurst Crown, and of course, the Derby in February.

“I’ll have a look at the calendar and count back but at minimum he should have a month off before has to go again.”