Local runner Gallant Boy went one better in 2019 when he scored in a driving finish to the line in the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge Weight For Age (1600m) at Wingatui.

 

The evergreen eight-year-old had to bow to stablemate Tommy Tucker in the feature mile last season but would not be denied this year when he got the better of race-favourite Boots ‘N’ All in the final few strides of the contest.

 

Trained by Brian and Shane Anderton for the estate of his breeder, the late Patrick Smith, Gallant Boy was notching his 11th career victory and first at stakes level.

 

Handled perfectly by rider Terry Moseley, who had earlier taken out the Listed Dunedin Guineas (1500m) aboard Air Max, Gallant Boy enjoyed a perfect trip throughout after Moseley managed to find inside running from a wide barrier draw.

 

With the pace on up front, Moseley bided his time on the Gallant Guru gelding before tracking up behind Boots ‘N’ All approaching the home turn. Moseley secured a dream rails run in the straight as he set out after Boots ‘N’ All with Gallant Boy kicking strongly to win by a head with Accidental Offside fighting on for third.

 

Co-trainer Shane Anderton admitted he had some concerns during the race as he watched his charge get well off the pace in the early stages.

 

“Down the back I was getting a bit worried as he was back second or third last,” he said.

 

“To Terry’s credit he saved every inch and took all the short cuts.

 

“Today he (Gallant Boy) showed just how much he has improved.”

 

Anderton also paid tribute to the late Patrick Smith who bred the horse, a full-brother to Group One winning stayer Patrick Erin who was trained for the early part of his career by the Anderton’s before relocating to the Chris Waller stable in Sydney.

 

“Mrs Smith is here today and it is great for her,” he said.

 

“He is a full brother to Patrick Erin, so it is a great result.”

 

Moseley was all smiles when describing how the race had panned out for him from an awkward draw.

 

“I had a nasty draw and I didn’t want to dig him up and get him pulling,” he said.

 

“I ended up one off the fence most of the way and when there was a bit of carnage down the back, I ended up getting a nice trip.

 

“I had spent nothing and got a nice run through which was the winning of the race.

 

“This was a good quality field today and he is a real good horse.”