KEITEL CARRIES FAMOUS COLOURS TO VICTORY

Trainer David Vandyke paid tribute to owner Robert Powell after KEITEL stormed home to victory to become the first horse to salute in his colours since his recent passing.

New stable acquisition KEITEL unleashed a strong turn of foot from last position on the turn to score at just his second start for the stable at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday.

Given a perfect ride by jockey Jasper Franklin, the speedy grey gelding appreciated the step-up to 1400m as Powell’s familiar red, blue and white colours again featured first past the post.

“I want to give thoughts to Robert Powell — these are his colours,” said Vandyke.

“He was a very well-known owner from the South Coast of New South Wales who sadly passed away recently. This is the first horse to carry his colours since we lost him so it was wonderful to see them cross the line first.

“I was a bit worried on the corner, but Jasper and I had spoken pre-race and agreed that the horse’s biggest asset is his turn of foot. Jasper took luck out of the equation — pulled him to the outside, allowed him to make a sustained run and it proved a winning move. I’m glad he didn’t try to weave through traffic.

“In the back of my mind I’ve always thought this horse is a miler, and the way he finished today certainly suggests that.”

Congratulations to his ownership group Dr C G Lawler, Mr G R Gillespie, Mr J B Kaufman, Mr A K Irving, Mr J P Hoy, Mr C M Nicholas, Mr R S Williamson, Mr R C Preston, Mr R J Kell, Mr J Nanopoulos, Duck Syndicate