By Michael Guerin
Carter Dalgety’s dream introduction to Sydney racing got even better on Tuesday.
The popular Canterbury horseman was on a high after taking two stars in Krug and Remember Me, both trained by his parents Cran and Chrissie, to Menangle last Saturday to make winning Sydney debuts.
Now the 19-year-old has followed their leading with a driving win of his own on his first raceday in the sulky there and it could set him up for a much bigger assignment next Tuesday.
Dalgety secured three drives at Menangle’s regular Tuesday afternoon meeting and reined Lillies to a 1:52.9 mile win for new trainer Jack Trainor.
It was a payback of sorts because Trainor drove both Krug and (Just) Remember Me to win on Saturday. He has long-standing ties to the Dalgety barn having worked for them when starting out in the industry.
“It was really cool to get some drives over here and to win one is pretty special on your first day,” says Dalgety.
“She is a speedy little thing owned by Mick Harvey who has only just joined Jack and we were able to lead early, hand to the favourite and run it down.
“So I appreciate the drive and it looks like I have a few more at Penrith on Thursday night, which will be a new experience on an 800m track.”
As much as he was thrilled to get a winner Dalgety knows the real business of the trip is Krug and Remember Me’s group one goals next month so last Saturday’s double means more.
“That is one of my greatest personal achievements, even though obviously I am only looking after the horses,” he told HRNZ.
“To be trusted with two high class horses and then for them both to win, with everybody knowing I am looking after them was really satisfying.”
Krug has thrived since the run and will head to the Hondo Grattan on Saturday week to try and qualify for the Chariots Of Fire, his main summer aim, on February 19.
Remember Me though could have Carter for company as her next start is likely to be next Tuesday.
“She is really lightly-assessed over here so we are looking at starting her next Tuesday to get some more Menangle experience.
“She will be about a Rating 58 horse but with her fillies claim and possibly me claiming as a driver she could be eligible for a under rating 50 race.
“I can’t drive here on Saturday nights and wouldn’t expect to but I’d love to drive a filly like her on a Tuesday so Dad will speak to Paul and Mary Kenny (owners) about that.
“So that would be a real buzz and I can’t believe how well the trip has started. It really helps staying with Jack because he is like a brother so I am loving it.”
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