Veteran horseman breaks long drought

LOCAL horseman Fred Posgate broke a long drought from the winners’ circle last Friday night.

Although he has prepared numerous winners during the interim, Posgate registered his first success as a driver in almost three years.

Posgate’s victory came in Mildura thanks to Auckland Lass, which snapped a 32-month drought for the veteran trainer.

Posgate’s previous triumph was with Puopolo, which scored in Mildura on September 18, 2020.

“I don’t drive as much as I once did as I’ve had a couple of serious accidents during track work and trials in the past couple of years,” Posgate said.

“I’ve torn a hand open, smashed up a shoulder and broken a leg, so I leave the driving to the young ones.

“When they aren’t available though, I can always jump in the cart every now and then.”

Showing improved manners, Auckland Lass was settled two-back along the pegs from barrier four as Mexican Standoff led from the pole.

Angled away from the inside turning into the back straight, Auckland Lass sprinted to the front before scoring by two-and-a-half metres from Ronzel Sonny.

Vieira, also trained by Posgate, was a head away third in 2:02.6 over 2190 metres.

“She can be a serial pest when circling up for the mobile and has lost 100 metres at times,” Posgate said. “When she circled perfectly I couldn’t believe it and she never set a hoof wrong after that.

“She does have some ability, nothing brilliant, but is a tough little mare.

“I’ve got nothing planned out for her, but will keep racing her where suitable at Mildura.”