In a display of sheer grit and timeless class, the nine-year-old gelding Sowar secured the most significant victory of his career, taking out the $100,000 Mount Augustus Tourist Park Walkaway Cup (2100m) at Geraldton on Saturday.
A Gutsy Battle Against the Odds
Sent off as an $18 chance, Sowar was ridden with confidence by apprentice Holly Watson. He showed early speed to lead, but was soon overtaken by the well-fancied Noahquintilly ($3.90), who under jockey Pat Carbery dashed clear to establish a commanding lead of six to seven lengths. Sowar was left to lead the chasing pack, a tough task for any horse carrying the race's top weight of 59kg.
Undaunted, the veteran chaser began to reel in the leader from the 900-metre mark. With a perfectly timed effort from Watson around the final bend, Sowar drew level with Noahquintilly as they turned for home. What followed was a stirring duel down the Geraldton straight, with both horses refusing to yield an inch.
Heart of a Champion Seals the Deal
Showing a heart as big as his age, the Mitchell Pateman-trained son of Sepoy inched ahead and clung on tenaciously, ultimately prevailing by a long neck in a photo finish. The win was made even more remarkable given it was Sowar's first start since winning the York Cup in early November, a race he was not originally nominated for.
"To be completely honest, I didn't even know the race was on until Monday," a delighted Pateman admitted after the win. He explained the late decision to run came after midweek races were cancelled due to excessive heat. "I said to the owner, Kevin Johnson, 'he's probably going to be a run short'... but you just can't write him off. He's nine but never raced better."
Watson Praises Her "Absolute Marvel"
Jockey Holly Watson, who also piloted Sowar to his York Cup victory, was full of praise for the gallant gelding, whose career earnings now exceed $630,000. "He's really tough. He's such a tough horse," Watson said. "When I levelled up to it, my bloke puts in a real fight. Obviously, that one did too, so it was down to the toughest one."
The victory sets a perfect platform for Watson's next major assignment. She is set to partner the $13 shot Stormageddon in the $1 million Perth Cup (2400m) at Ascot on New Year's Day. "Bloody hell, it's a big jump from this race to that race, but he's been going really well," Watson noted, aiming for her first Group 2 success.
For the irrepressible Sowar, this Walkaway Cup triumph at nine years of age proves that for some champions, age is truly just a number.
