Jockey Josh Parr wins fourth Ladies Day Cup in 11 years with win on Rustic Steel

The Group 1-winning jockey rode the winner of the same race last year and was at his best again to get Kris Lees’ talented galloper home at Hawkesbury.

Jockey Josh Parr snared his fourth Listed Ladies Day Cup (1500m) in 11 years with a perfectly executed steer on the Kris Lees-trained Rustic Steel at Hawkesbury on Thursday.

Parr had Rustic Steel poised to pounce in the $200,000 feature before unleashing him at the top of the straight and racing away for a comfortable win.

Rustic Steel ($14) got the better of the Nathan Doyle-trained Bandersnatch ($7.50) by a length with Ciaron Maher’s Berkshire Shadow ($6) close up in third.

It continued Parr’s love affair with the spring feature having already combined with Chris Waller three times to win the race, piloting New Mandate to victory last year to go with wins aboard Tromso (2013) and Strawberry Boy (2014).

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Rustic Steel’s victory came two years this week after he took out the inaugural edition of the Big Dance.

The son of Deep Field has continued to be a fantastic money spinner for connections with more than $2 million in prizemoney now earned.

He had missed the placings in both starts this preparation but relished a drop in grade and important gear change in the Ladies Day Cup.

The Listed Ladies Day Cup at @hawkesburyrc goes to Rustic Steel for @Leesracing, and it's a winning double to @JoshuaParr8 👏 pic.twitter.com/97EfkdIHBM

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) November 7, 2024

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“He has been a bit luckless his two runs back and in stronger company but dropping back in grade here and with blinkers on, which haven’t been on for a couple of years,” Lees said.

“We got a good reaction out of him and a lovely ride from Josh (Parr).

“He has got a bit of class against those sort of horses.”

“Just passed over two years since he won the Big Dance so he’s been a good money spinner for us.”

Rustic Steel has amassed an amazing record of 10 wins from 29 starts.

Lees is a chance of pushing on with Rustic Steel towards the Group 3 $1 million The Gong (1600m) at Kembla Grange on November 23.

Originally published as Jockey Josh Parr wins fourth Ladies Day Cup in 11 years with win on Rustic Steel