Leigh Rogers Final review
Lonely Cowboy trained by Carole Scott became the inaugural winner of the Leigh Rogers Grade 6 Feature Final last night at Angle Park in front of a strong crowd after an exciting run to the finish line.
After 6 terrific heats last Thursday night the final was one of the most even races conducted at Angle Park in recent months with plenty of winning chances. Lonely Cowboy began very well from box 3 to take up the early lead closely followed by Rhynstone Teddy for Stuart Ellis and Highbury Hustle for John Mundy. As the field raced down the back straight Lonely Cowboy had pinched a small break on his rivals and set sail for the finish line however both Rhystone Teddy and Highbury Hustle began to close as they raced off the back straight. Turning for home it was clear it was going to be a battle to the finish line with Lonely Cowboy trying to hold on and Rhystone Teddy charging to the line with Highbury Hustle having to be content with third. As they hit the line the large crowd gasped as it was a desperately close finish with the judge giving Lonely Cowboy the decision by a head to the cheers of his connections after he showed unbelievable determination to get to the line first. He won in a solid 30.13 over the 515m journey with Rhystone Teddy brave in defeat.
Lonely Cowboy’s record now stands at 8 wins and 10 placing’s from 24 starts and career prizemoney just over $15,000.
With around 70 family, friends and work colleagues on track in support of Leigh Rogers, it was fitting that Lonely Cowboy showed such fight and determination in his great win, as Leigh displayed these qualities during his brave battle against the rare form of cancer which sadly took his life late last year.
It was an emotional presentation dais with Leigh’s wife Rachel on hand along with Leigh’s stepson Jayden and his three young daughters, Emily, Chloe and Madison. Emily presented Carole with the trophy who spoke extremely well in winning the race named in Leigh’s honour and also highlighted the battle’s that she and connections have had with Lonely Cowboy in getting him back to the track after adversity along the way.
