Trainer Ciaron Maher secured his first Australian Cup, though not with the runner he had anticipated.
Entering three contenders in the Group 1 weight-for-age 2000m event on Saturday, it was Light Infantry Man who delivered Maher his breakthrough win, ending James Cummings and Godolphin’s two-year winning streak in the race.
Light Infantry Man was considered the underdog among Maher’s trio, while Pride Of Jenni started as the $3.80 favourite, finishing second-last, nearly 16 lengths behind the victor. Middle Earth ($6) secured fifth place.
Guided by jockey Ethan Brown, Light Infantry Man ($9) claimed victory by two lengths over Deny Knowledge ($11), with Zardozi ($4.60) finishing a long neck behind in third.
Pride Of Jenni took her customary front-running role, leading Young Werther and Attrition, while Deny Knowledge, expected to challenge early, settled in fourth after a slow start.
Light Infantry Man tracked the leaders before surging into contention at the turn.
“I was pretty confident actually,” Maher admitted.
“I knew he’d thrive on a strong tempo because of his European racing experience, and he’s simply in the best form of his career.
“The team has done an outstanding job with him. Browny gave him a perfect ride. He’s a strong horse and can sustain his run.
“He’s just kept improving. His performance in Perth showed his potential. It’s fantastic—he won in dominant fashion.”
Since arriving from overseas, Light Infantry Man struggled to find form until a breakthrough win during Melbourne Cup week at Flemington, followed by a Group 1 triumph at Ascot in December.
For Brown, this marked his eighth Group 1 victory, with seven coming under Maher’s guidance, including his first aboard Snapdancer in Adelaide in 2022.
He expressed gratitude for his ongoing partnership with Maher.
“I keep saying it, but Ciaron and this ownership group have shown immense support for me,” Brown said.
“Over the last six-to-12 months, they’ve put me on top-class horses, and delivering wins for them is incredibly rewarding.”
Brown initially expected a faster pace, but the race unfolded in his favor.
“It was steady early, but as Jenni does, she ramped up the speed from a long way out,” Brown explained.
“This horse was always going to relish that. The 2000m was never a concern, and today, everything aligned perfectly.
“That Flemington straight is long, but he thrives when ridden this way. I’m absolutely thrilled to get this result.”
Meanwhile, Craig Newitt, who rode Pride Of Jenni, was left puzzled by her underwhelming performance.
“She jumped brilliantly, and I was pleased with the first few furlongs—she traveled well,” Newitt said.
“At the 1200m, the field was still close, so I let her stride a little, but she was beaten by the 1000m, which is completely unlike her.”