Former Swedish pony racer Rebecca Bronett Prag reached a major career highlight at Rosehill on Saturday when country galloper Knights Armour handed her a memorable first Saturday metropolitan victory.
Currently apprenticed to experienced Canberra trainer Keith Dryden, Bronett Prag was making just her 20th city appearance. Her only other metropolitan win had also come aboard Knights Armour in a midweek event at Warwick Farm back in May.
Reflecting on the milestone, she said the experience was “unreal”, though she wasn’t initially sure she had landed the prize in a tight finish.
“I wasn’t sure that I got it but it’s very special, especially on this horse that I’ve had a lot of luck with,” Bronett Prag said.
“This is our fifth win together now so it’s great and especially for the owner who only trains one horse and is doing a fantastic job with him.”
Knights Armour, a six-year-old stayer trained at Braidwood by Ross Lavis—who also owns and straps the gelding—was untested over the 2400m trip before Saturday but delivered with grit and determination in the Mostyn Cooper Handicap.
Lavis expressed full confidence that his charge would handle the distance, describing him as “tough as nails”.
The pair combined to win by half a length over Good Banter ($4.80), with Fioprospero ($6) finishing a further length back in third. Knights Armour jumped at $12 and gave his trainer-owner yet another proud moment.
Bronett Prag, originally from Sweden, has spent most of her life immersed in horse sport, beginning with picnic-style pony races in her homeland. She arrived in Australia a decade ago in search of experience and decided to stay for good.
Now an Australian citizen, she hopes Saturday’s victory can help open more doors in the metropolitan ranks as her country claim nears its expiry.
“I have almost outridden my claim in the country so I am starting to get a few opportunities and I’ll see where it will take me,” she said.
For the latest betting odds on upcoming staying races, visit justhorseracing.com.au.