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Damien Batters excited ahead of talented stallions stable debut

Sunshine Coast trainer Damien Batters says there’s plenty of excitement and expectation surrounding his stable’s newly acquired runner following a string of eye-catching runs.

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Racing trainer Damien Batters has high expectations for his stable’s newly acquired runner after a string of impressive wins at the recent trials.

Four-year-old stallion Giant Thunder was transferred from a Charters Towers stable after his 10th maiden start on March 18 and is set to make his stable debut at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday over 1400m.

Batters said after two solid jumpout victories he was excited to get him to the races.

“He came to us about eight weeks ago from Townsville and I was chatting back and forth with his owner about him sending him down here but after watching a few of his races I thought he would suit it down here because he is such a big horse,” Batters said.

“He had a jump out a few weeks ago where he missed the kick but came from the back to storm home by a handful of lengths and then he trailed again on Tuesday where he led and once he got to the corner he got a few taps and blew them away.

“He’s still a bull but he’s got such a beautiful nature and since he’s been with us, we’ve been working him up and going ‘wow this horse is pretty special’ and one we all quite like.

“He's definitely made a good impression already so hopefully he can carry that over on Sunday.”

Sunshine Coast racing trainer Damien Batters says there’s plenty of excitement surrounding his stables newly acquired runner, Giant Thunder. Picture: Patrick Woods.
Sunshine Coast racing trainer Damien Batters says there’s plenty of excitement surrounding his stables newly acquired runner, Giant Thunder. Picture: Patrick Woods.

With stable golden child Leroytheconqueror being retired after his final run on May 1, Batters said he was looking towards his newly-acquired yearlings and three-year-old gelding Blue Pacific to make the step-up.

“Blue Pacific is a horse that we have got a lot of time for but he just hasn’t delivered on race day like we have wanted,” he said.

“Once the penny drops for him I think he’ll be quite a handy horse but if he doesn’t get his own way in the race he seems to spit the bit.

“We’ll keep working with him but it would also be great to see a few of these younger horses step up to the grade and show us what they’ve got.”

Meanwhile Jockey Montana Philpot will remain in hospital after her freak accident at the Sunshine Coast race meeting on Sunday, April 24.

“She rode Blue Pacific in the race and everything was fine but after the race he slipped and got his foot caught in the fence and ended up landing on top of Montana,” Batters said.

The 22-year-old hoop suffered significant injuries and faced a lengthy recovery.

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/sunshine-coast/sport/damien-batters-excited-ahead-of-talented-stallions-stable-debut/news-story/8500d1bbe826e10269dbea7329676ca7