In a stunning display of tactical brilliance, the evergreen galloper Without Reg has captured the biggest prize of his career, taking out the $100,000 Integra Insurance Brokers Mandurah Cup (1400m) at Pinjarra on Saturday, 3 January 2026.
A Winning Change of Plan
Defying his usual racing pattern, the seven-year-old gelding sprung to the front early under a clever ride from jockey Holly Watson. This move was a significant departure from strategy, as Without Reg ($3.30) had led only once in his previous 49 starts, a tactic not originally planned for the feature race.
From his ideal inside barrier, Watson seized the initiative, setting a solid tempo with the ten-year-old veteran Bruce Almighty ($10) applying pressure on his outside. The pair stretched the field out behind them, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
Career-Best Form Seals the Deal
Approaching the home turn, Watson increased the pace, putting several challengers under pressure. Favourite Angel Undercover ($2.45) found herself eight lengths off the lead and wide on the track. While Bruce Almighty rallied bravely in the straight, Without Reg found another gear at the 200-metre mark, maintaining a length's advantage to the line.
Angel Undercover closed well for third, just a long neck behind the gallant Bruce Almighty. The victory marked a pinnacle for the honest performer in his 55th career start.
Praise for a Perfect Ride
Trainer Rhys Radford was full of praise for Watson's race-winning decision to take up the running. "10/10 to Holly for the ride; that was a ripper," Radford exclaimed. "It caught me by surprise when he landed in front, but it worked out very well. He looked to be loving it, and he seems to be in career-best form."
Watson echoed the sentiment about the bay gelding's condition, confirming this was his peak performance. "Today, it wasn't the plan to lead," Watson admitted. "I've led on him before at Bunbury and he just got a bit lost out in front but today, he was doing it all on his own terms."
Eight of Without Reg's 10 career wins have now come over the 1400-metre trip, which appears to be his ideal distance. Watson noted attempts over a mile had proven less successful as the gelding becomes too keen.
Future Targets and Stable Success
Buoyed by this significant victory, Radford is now eyeing a loftier target: the $150,000 Bunbury Stakes (1400m) on March 7. "After today, I think we might head there," he said, indicating the team will now plot a suitable path to that race.
Watson also paid tribute to the Radford stable's expertise with older horses, having recently retired the popular Comfort Me after 53 races. "He's a brilliant old horse. The Radford family have done such a great job with him," she said.
The Mandurah Cup triumph capped a successful day for Watson, who landed a riding double just thirty-five minutes later aboard Cantrix ($4 favourite) for trainer Jamie Morgan.
