Benamera win no surprise

Tyler Schiller rode four winners at Newcastle on Thursday, one of them giving Steve O’Halloran a good result by landing the Provincial Benchmark 64 Handicap (1400m) on Benamera, who led home a Hawkesbury quinella, defeating Brad Widdup’s Bondi Blossom ($11).

A four-year-old by Cosmic Force, Benamera won his second race and his trainer wasn’t surprised at all in spite of his generous odds.

“He had no luck in running first-up at Canberra over 1200m last month, and getting to 1400m suited him better,” O’Halloran said.

“Benamera galloped with stablemate Mal Coupe (who chases his sixth win on end at Rosehill on Saturday) on the course proper at Hawkesbury last Saturday morning, and his work was good.

“I would have been disappointed if he didn’t run well today.”

Whilst Hannon bred Benamera, the gelding is raced by a syndicate which includes Novocastrian Greg Wilson.

“Greg and his wife were at the track today, and obviously we’re thrilled to see their horse win,” O’Halloran said.

*Words by John Curtis for hawkesburyraceclub.com.au