Classy import Fawkner Park appreciated a return home to deliver connections the Rosehill Gold Cup

The spring plans of one-time Caulfield Cup favourite Fawkner Park may have hot a bump early on but he was back on track with victory in the Rosehill Gold Cup.

Tyler Schiller drives Fawkner Park to victory in the Rosehill Gold Cup. Picture: Bradley Photos

Fawkner Park’s spring didn’t go to plan but the talented import was still able to snare a lucrative consolation prize at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

Trainers Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald had ambitions of winning the Caulfield Cup with Fawkner Park but the import failed to find his best the Melbourne way of going.

Now back in his home state, Fawkner Park has bounced back to his best form.

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The son of Zoffany delivered a Cup of a different kind when he held off the Ciaron Maher-trained Wyclif in the Group 3 $750,000 Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m).

“Full credit to the team at home, they’ve worked very hard to get him right,” Archibald said.

“He just wasn’t appreciating Melbourne way, for whatever reason.

“And he’s just gradually building confidence since he’s come back (to Sydney).”

Archibald had to wait a little longer to celebrate after rival jockey Jason Collett fired in a protest alleging interference inside the final 100m when Fawkner Park shifted out.

Collett, ridding Wycliff, claimed he lost momentum that cost him the race as a result however stewards did not believe the shift was enough for the result to be overturned.

Fawkner Park ($4.60 favourite) was running on tired legs late but kept Wyclif ($26) at bay by a long head while the Chris Waller’s Hinged ($5.50) was a short neck back in third.

“He was probably just slightly feeling the pinch (late on),” Archibald said.

A breathtaking finish in the Rosehill Gold Cup with Fawkner Park victorious with @G1TySchil on board for @ANeashamRacing! 🏆@aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/jgabNgZwBk

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) November 2, 2024

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“He’s had an interrupted preparation and he was probably entitled to get a little bit tired late.

“Bennett Racing have never really lost the faith.

“While it didn’t always go to plan, they stuck solid and it’s been a big team effort behind the scenes to get him right. Our physio has done an amazing job. It’s a nice reward.”

Jockey Tyler Schiller made a decisive mid-race move that helped win him the race.

He pushed forward on Fawkner Park after the 800m mark to put the gelding closer to the lead and the six-year-old keep finding under pressure in the straight.

“I tried to be a touch more positive on him,” Schiller said.

“He’s not an overly blessed horse with gait speed but he did jump well today which surprised me. I

“ thought he loved the ground.

“It’s just got a little bit of moisture in it but he seems to still love the firm base. And he’s just awfully tough. I put him into the race when I needed to.

“He’s run 2400m up in Queensland so no doubt why he couldn’t do it today.”

Originally published as Classy import Fawkner Park appreciated a return home to deliver connections the Rosehill Gold Cup