Tony McEvoy uncorks Shiraz as he toasts Sydney double

TONY McEvoy concedes his stable needs a better year so he set about doing just that with a winning double from Shiraz and Last Wish at Rosehill Gardens.

Kerrin McEvoy and Shiraz get the better of Harrier Jet to win the third at Rosehill Gardens. Picture: Getty Images

TRAINER Tony McEvoy concedes his stable needs a better year so he set about doing just that with a winning double from Shiraz and Last Wish at Rosehill Gardens.

McEvoy, a master horseman, has been based at Hawkesbury for nearly two years and believes his stable is finally ready to make a real impact on Sydney racing.

“It is very competitive racing in Sydney, very tough,’’ McEvoy said.

“I need to upgrade my stock and I need to have a better year.

‘But I have great staff at Hawkesbury and the set-up feels right to me so the winners will come.’’

McEvoy made a statement of sorts with Shiraz who passed a stamina test to win the De Bortoli Wines Handicap (1350m).

Shiraz had never been tested beyond 1100m but McEvoy gambled on the sprinter’s ability to overcome a recent setback and cope with the increase in distance.

“This was his first time at 1350m and the time he has had between runs wasn’t planned,’’ McEvoy said.

“I had him ready to run a fortnight ago but he got colic and I had to scratch him the day before.

“The colic only upset him for a few hours but I had to treat him so he couldn’t run that day.

“I was a little nervous because of that break he has had between runs but he has been working so well I thought we would trust him and he has run the trip out strongly.’’

This race was worth the admission price alone to watch champion jockeys Kerrin McEvoy (Shiraz) and Hugh Bowman (Harrier Jet) in a thrilling duel.

Kerrin McEvoy after his winning ride. Picture: Getty Images

It was McEvoy who emerged victorious as Shiraz ($5.50) settled outside hot favourite Harrier Jet ($1.70) and wore him down to win by a half neck with Lester’s Home ($20) running on for third, just under a length away.

“It looked a little tricky from the barrier but I was able to sneak forward with Harrier Jet and got into a nice spot,’’ Kerrin McEvoy said.

“I got a neck on him but my fellow just had a little bit of a look but he ‘toughed’ it out well.

“He is behaving like a horse that is enjoying that trip now — it adds an extra string to his bow.’’

Tony McEvoy said although Shiraz had been in work for a long time it was difficult to spell a horse that was in winning form and he would consider one more start this summer.

McEvoy’s double was some good news after a worrying couple of days for the trainer as the South Australian bushfires came perilously close to his showpiece Kildalton Park property at Angaston in the Barossa Valley.

“The fires have come through Kersbrook which is about 15km away as the crow flies which is not far with an out of control fire,’’ the trainer said.

“But the northerly winds are pushing the fire away so I think we will be OK.

“A couple of weeks ago, there were fires that came very close to the property and we had to evacuate 40 horses that were out in spelling paddocks but we may have missed the worst of it this time.

Sam Clipperton salutes aboard Last Wish. Picture: Getty Images