‘They don’t know how much they cost’: Liam Birchley lands blow in first 2YO race with $3750 buy Betterlucknexttime

Liam Birchley landed the first Queensland two-year-old race of the season with a horse bought for $3750 as he foiled a betting plunge on a rival horse.

Betterlucknexttime was the first two-year-old winner in Australia this season. Picture: Natasha Wood – Trackside Photography.

Liam Birchley wound back the clock at Doomben on Saturday as he prepared the first two-year-old winner of the season when Betterlucknexttime made a mockery of a betting plunge on a rival horse.

The Sunshine Coast trainer was renowned as a two-year-old maestro in his earlier foray into training and said he still has the systems in place to land big blows early in the season as he looks to rebuild his business.

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Betterlucknexttime was a $3750 online buy as a weanling and connections pocketed more than $70,000 on Saturday for their efforts with Nikita Beriman leaving plunge horse Sequel in her dust.

“We didn’t pay much for him,” Birchley said.

“The horses don’t know how much they cost, he is the right sort of horse for these races.

“I have had a lot of time working these young horses out and I feel like there is a good process in place to get them ready.

“The main thing is you need them fit and you need them sound, you tick both those boxes and they will take you a long way.”

No next time needed as Betterlucknexttime wins on debut at Doomben! 🍀@BrisRacingClubpic.twitter.com/qdG5GzP7gd

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 5, 2024

• ‘Hit by an axe’: Jockey's Group 1 return after injury agony

Crown The King almost kicked off a golden season for racing’s first lady Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, after charging home to run second, while stablemates Tremonti (Flemington) King Kirk (Sydney) kicked off in winning fashion.

Birchley said he will assess what is next for Betterlucknexttime, hinting a tilt at the $500,000 QTIS Jewel is on the cards.

“We haven’t had any trouble with him, he has been fantastic as one of those two-year-olds,” he said.

“He still has a little bit of growing to do, there is more to come.

“We will see how he pulls up, he may have another go or he might go straight to the paddock and come back for the Jewel.”

RODD INJURY

Melbourne Cup winner Michael Rodd is looking at another period on the sidelines after suffering an injury heading out on the track at the Sunshine Coast on Friday night.

Rodd, who spent 30 month on the sidelines due to post-concussion syndrome, triumphantly returned to racing almost a year ago, however is set for another break after injuring his back in the incident which happened prior to the running of the second race.

He was cleared of major injuries after having X-rays on Friday night, however will head to the doctors again in the coming days for more comprehensive tests.

Rodd was told by numerous specialists that his riding career was all but over when he was still suffering the effects from a series of head knocks, however courageously fought back against the odds as he looked to inspire other sportsmen going through the same condition.

Originally published as ‘They don’t know how much they cost’: Liam Birchley lands blow in first 2YO race with $3750 buy Betterlucknexttime