Glory Days Wins G2 Avondale Cup

Media Release - Saturday February 16

Waverley visitor Glory Days made her first visit to Ellerslie a memorable one when she fought tooth and nail to win the Group II Coca-Cola Avondale Cup (2400m) at Ellerslie.

Glory Days - Trish DunnellThe Red Giant mare proved a revelation during the spring/early summer where she won four races on end, culminating with the Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m).

Put aside for a short break after finishing unplaced in the Gr.3 Manawatu Cup (2200m), Glory Days resumed with a fast-finishing effort for second in the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1600m) before trekking north for her first look at the Ellerslie track in Saturday's feature event.

Despite the unfamiliar surroundings, Glory Days handled her first experience of racing right-handed with aplomb as she produced a sustained finishing run to secure the upper-hand from outsider Blue Breeze after the pair waged war over the final 300m.

Trainer Bill Thurlow was feeling quite emotional as he accepted congratulations immediately after the race.

"This is my biggest moment by far," he said.

"It means a hell of a lot as we only have a little, wee team.

"She's a horse we have always loved and had a lot of time for, but to come and do this is bit of a dream really.

"She's so tough and it was a great effort as going the other way (right-handed) really did worry me.

"In saying that she handled it so well as she came around the corner good and I'm rapt for her."

Thurlow, has made no secret of the fact that he has his sights set firmly on next month's Gr.1 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) with his charge, set out his plan for the mare over the next three weeks leading in to the Ellerslie feature.

"I think she will spend the next three weeks at home," he said.

"We had thought about the Nathans (Nathans Memorial, Ellerslie March 2) but it is highly unlikely on that run.

"She has 53.50kgs in the Auckland Cup, which is quite a luxury weight, so we will just keep her ticking over and come back in three weeks' time.

"We don't know how she will handle 3200m, but she doesn't pull, she just lobs along, and when you ask her to go, she just goes."

Bookmakers reacted swiftly to the victory with Glory Days now equal-favourite at $4.50 for the Auckland Cup along with Charles Road and Saturday's third-placed finisher, Five To Midnight. – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Wanganui Cup Win for Glory Days
Waverley mare Glory Days maintained her picket fence form-line with a dominant victory in the Listed Cambridge Thoroughbred Lodge Wanganui Cup (2040m) on Saturday.
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.
Blockbuster Sale as NZB Ready to Run Records Tumble
Expectations were exceeded at Karaka with tremendous results witnessed across two days of selling at NZB’S 2024 Ready to Run Sale, confirming the demand for proven racetrack results and quality New Zealand-prepared horses.
Arkansaw Kid Brother Sells for $520,000
A well-related son of Harry Angel provided a late highlight in the final hour of the 2024 NZB Ready to Run Sale at Karaka on Thursday when he was knocked down to a $520,000 bid from bloodstock agent Morgan Carter.
Day of Glory for Thurlow at Ellerslie
The residents of small rural township Waverley look set to rock and roll for the next few days as resident trainer Bill Thurlow and his gallant mare Glory Days did them proud when bolting home in the Gr.
Luberon Heads Cambridge Stud Saturday Charge
Lance Noble will attempt to add to a strong run of spring form for Cambridge Stud when he sends out five well-credentialled runners in Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s black and gold colours at Pukekohe on Saturday.
Sires With Winners - Thursday November 21
Here is the full list of 32 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Star Emperor Soars to Jumbo Jet Win
Star Emperor (NZ) (Red Giant) could have been bought for $10,000 at the 2015 Select Sale at Karaka, and on Sunday he scored a brilliant victory in the S$175,000 Jumbo Jet Trophy (1400m) at Kranji.
$1.3million Snitzel Colt Ready to Fire on Debut for Te Akau
Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are confident they have the young firepower to make an early impression in the first of the black type features at Pukekohe Park on Saturday.
One to Watch – Hawkesbury
Castelvecchio has gone from nowhere to somewhere during the course of this spring with three stakes-winners putting his name in lights and he had a promising three year-old colt salute at Hawkesbury on Thursday that has now won two of three starts.