Light Infantry Man defies wide draw to prevail in Group 1 Northerly Stakes

Jockey Ethan Brown executed a perfect steer as Light Infantry Man landed the Group 1 Northerly Stakes.

Light Infantry Man wins the Northerly Stakes Picture: Western Racepix

Light Infantry Man completed an east coast clean sweep of Perth’s lucrative Group 1 summer riches when the Ciaron Maher-trained import defied a wide draw to win the Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot.

The former European talent delivered Maher a maiden West Aussie Group 1 after he matched the efforts of fellow east coast visitors Port Lockroy (Railway Stakes) and Overpass (Winterbottom Stakes).

A tactically perfect steer from Victorian-based jockey Ethan Brown proved decisive in helping Light Infantry Man snare the $1.5 million main event.

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Light Infantry Man only had two runners outside him from an awkward wide draw but Brown’s decision to be positive early held the key.

He ended up outside the lead and Light Infantry Man ($12) raced clear before holding off Jason Miller’s despised outsider Admiration Express ($151) to prevail.

Maher’s other contender Socks Nation ($14) was third.

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Light Infantry Man wins the Northerly! @Brown_ethan8 produces a positive ride from the wide barrier and it proves the difference! @[e-mail]/ybjr6tgpCf

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 7, 2024

“To win today’s race he had to get the first 400m right,” Brown said.

“After that it was easy. We got the first 400m right and that’s how it worked out.

“I knew I was on a fit horse and he is a genuine horse, he’s just been a bit unlucky this prep.”

It was a sixth Group 1 for Brown with five of those coming on Maher trained horses.

Brown again showed why Maher’s been more than happy to use him on the biggest stages in recent times.

Light Infantry Man had been a beaten favourite in the Railway Stakes but raced without luck in the Group 1 mile a fortnight ago.

“I spoke to James (McDonald) and he was adamant it should have won the other day, which it did look like that,” Brown said.

“Drawing out today really helped us.

“He was able to lob in a beautiful spot, we were able to control the race and that’s what he wanted, just a flowing ride.

“He showed his true colours.”

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Ethan Brown returns on Light Infantry Man after winning the Northerly Stakes

Light Infantry Man was purchased out of Europe but hadn’t fully delivered on his undoubted talent before Saturday.

A change of luck and a 10 out of 10 ride changed that in an instant.

“Things actually went to plan, to go out and be positive,” Maher’s stable representative Will Bourne said.

“His asset is a high cruising speed and that’s he showed today and that’s what he used.

“The horse has done a very good job today and Remi (Delage) who has looked after him the past month has done an amazing job.

“I’ve never seen him so relaxed and so gloaming in the coat.”

Originally published as Light Infantry Man defies wide draw to prevail in Group 1 Northerly Stakes