Trainer Nicole Bruggemann overjoyed to win Chief Minister’s Cup with Highly Decorated

TRAINER Nicole Bruggemann never thought she would have a horse in the Chief Minister’s Cup let alone win. But that’s exactly what she managed with four-year-old Highly Decorated sprinting home to take out the $60,000 race

Trainer Nicole Bruggemann was thrilled to win the Chief Minister’s Cup with Highly Decorated and jockey Jessie Philpot Picture: Caroline Camilleri

TRAINER Nicole Bruggemann never thought she would have a horse in the Chief Ministers Cup let alone win.

But that’s exactly what she managed with four-year-old Highly Decorated sprinting home to take out the $60,000 Asian United Food Service Chief Minister’s Cup (1600m).

The win with Jessie Philpot marked the gelding’s sixth win in a row and set it up for a genuine shot at the Darwin Cup on August 2.

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Highly Decorated was the favourite heading into the race and made his presence known quickly coming out of the box quickly with Terry Gillett’s Ash Grey posing an early threat.

Noir De Rue from the stable of Jason Manning also looked strong through the middle section of the race with jockey Vanessa Arnott riding strong.

But Highly Decorated showed its recent form was no trick and never let go of the lead fending off all comers.

It was the Alice Springs Cup winner, the Garry Lefoe-trained I Am The Fox, that came around the outside to take second while Gary Clarke’s Reserve Street pipped Noir De Rue for third.

Following the race, a delighted Bruggemann confirmed that Highly Decorated, a runner that had exceeded all expectations, would now be looking at having a go at the prestigious Darwin Cup.

“It’s absolutely unbelievable. I never thought we would have a runner in the Chief Ministers Cup but to have a winner is amazing,” Bruggemann said.

“And the way he’s winning is absolutely phenomenal. He’s tough, he’s working good, and he loves it up here. He’s not a horse that you come across every day.

“Six in a row and now I suppose we have to head for the Cup. He’s never run over the distance but I don’t think it will worry him and after his results we have to give it a go.”

Other winners at Fannie Bay yesterday included: More Chilli (trainer Dick Leech, jockey Sonja Wiseman), The Albion (Peter Stennett, Paul Shiers), Syncline (Gary Clarke, Stan Tsaikos), Little Town Blues (Phil Cole, Wayne Davis), Don’t Wait (Tayarn Halter, Vanessa Arnott) and My Tradition (Chris Pollard, Stan Tsaikos).