Gaylord continued his consistent preparation with another outstanding performance at Grafton on April 19, finishing a courageous second in the Sunline Fencing Class 2 Handicap (1000m).
Drawn the outside barrier and carrying a testing 61kg, Gaylord was forced to do it the tough way from the outset. Jockey Andrew Mallyon summed it up perfectly afterwards, joking that the horse was “carrying the grandstand” under the big weight.
Despite the challenge, Gaylord travelled strongly throughout and worked home impressively on a very firm Good 3 surface. Andrew felt the track conditions ultimately worked against him, noting that on a Good 5 or 6 surface he likely would have run down the winner, who enjoyed a softer run from barrier one while carrying 4kg less.
It was another quality effort from the tough gelding, who has now recorded back-to-back second placings while carrying 60kg-plus. Earlier in the preparation, wet tracks disrupted his ideal racing program and contributed to two luckless fifth placings, but his recent performances have highlighted both his consistency and determination.
Gaylord has come through the run in excellent order and is now being aimed toward a Benchmark 66 assignment at Murwillumbah on Thursday May 14. With a kinder draw and suitable conditions, we’re hopeful he can return to the winner’s podium.
›› You can watch Gaylord’s Grafton replay here.
There is also an opportunity to follow Gaylord’s journey more closely through the d’Harbonville Group ownership page, where we share updates and insights with our close-knit group of owners.
