Local trainers are stamping their mark on day one of their home cup carnival, with Con Kelly’s Spanish Snitzel hanging on for grim death to take out the $50,000 In Memory of Dr Carroll Major Handicap over 1600m this afternoon.
Ridden a treat by Nyah West apprentice Madison Lloyd, she took the five-year-old gelding to a short lead at the top of the long straight and then gave it everything she had to fend off the challengers.
With the win taking the horse’s career earnings close to $250,000 from six wins in 41 starts.
Kelly says the Snitzel has “never been a good Swan Hill horse”.
“So it was great to see him stamp himself here today,” he added.
“But for Owen Connick and his late wife Carolyn, who passed away in March, it is a good win.
“I’m just very happy with him as he has had his problems this prep and he’s starting to do what we know he can.”
