Weekend Winner proves to be a warrior for owners with win at Gold Coast races

WEEKEND Winner came within one vote of being given away but has repaid the faith shown by her owners to win again.

Weekend Winner salutes at the Gold Coast on Saturday. Photo: BRUCE THOMAS

WEEKEND Winner came within one vote of being given away but has repaid the faith shown by her owners to win again.

The Gerard Blades-trained horse recorded her fourth win from 33 starts in the Von Bibra Motors Class 3 Plate (2200m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday.

It was also the former Tasmanian mare’s first victory since changing ownership late last year.

Part-owner Andrew Stone revealed the new owners nearly gave the six-year-old mare away after she was forced out of racing for six months with a back injury sustained at her first start for the new group in December last year.

“We bought her from Melbourne as a stayer and the first prep she hurt her back and it put her out for six months,” Stone said.

“She pulled a muscle near her pelvis. At one stage we were nearly going to give her away because six months with a horse there is no guarantee.

“We paid a bit of money for her and had three owners wanting to keep it and two wanting to get out so the ­majority kept in.”

Stone said it brought extra satisfaction from Saturday’s win. “It’s been a long road but lucky we held on to it.

“Patience costs nothing but you don’t want to waste money as well.”

The win was Weekend Winner’s fourth race of a preparation that has gradually increased in distance with each run.

“We finally got her to that trip. We were confident and (jockey) Ric McMahon rode her a treat. He sat back and hit the line and it worked out great,” Stone said.

Stone tipped Weekend Winner, who has started in races such as the 3200m Sandown Cup, to have more success as they look to step her up to 2400m races at Eagle Farm in coming weeks.

“Not many horses will be in those 2400m races and she has run the 3200m Sandown Cup so that will be up her alley as well,” Stone said.

“Now we have to benchmark up a bit so we can go in those sorts of races and get a run in them.

“(Eagle Farm) has a bit of a straight that will suit her and give her time to hit the line.”