Gaylord returned to the winners’ circle in commanding fashion on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, taking out the Shane Everson Benchmark 66 Handicap (1050m) at Grafton with a powerful late burst.
It was a win that didn’t come easy – but it certainly made a statement.
Missing the jump, Gaylord found himself at the tail of the field early. But experienced jockey Andrew Malyon didn’t panic, choosing to ride patiently and save ground. As the field turned for home, a gap opened up along the rails – and Malyon seized the opportunity.
At the 200m mark, Gaylord surged through on the inside, putting a clear length on the field and easing down to win by 1.1 lengths. It was a commanding finish that impressed both jockey and trainer alike.
Post-race, both Malyon and trainer Matt Dunn described Gaylord as a “serious horse”, with Dunn confirming plans to step him up in grade quickly.
Still lightly raced due to early injury setbacks, Gaylord continues to build an impressive profile. This latest win signals he’s not only back to full strength but primed for bigger assignments ahead.
An exciting performance against a competitive field, this win further validates the quality within AHA Racing’s stable – and particularly the d’Harbonville Ownership Group, of which Gaylord is a part.
Stay tuned – this is a horse on the rise.
Continuing a Remarkable Run of Success
AHA Racing’s performance across the board has been nothing short of outstanding.
In the last 18 months, just seven Group Horses have stepped out to race – and together they’ve delivered:
13 x Wins
15 x Second Placings
10 x Third Placings
And in the most recent six-week stretch since 13 July 2025, from only 10 starts, the team has produced:
5 x Wins
2 x Second Placings
2 x Third Placings
1 x Fourth Placing
Adding further to the achievement, our trusted breeding partners Koru Thoroughbreds have now reached a new milestone – 204 winners from just 85 horses bred.
