Photo: Trish Dunell
An association that began in Australia reaped rewards at Alexandra Park on Friday night for Cambridge trainer Kyle Marshall.
The young horseman was in Melbourne working for expat New Zealand trainer Brent Lilley when he met prominent owner Trevor Casey.
The pair have kept in touch over the years and Casey subsequently sent Marshall Bettor Sensation and Pembrook Charlie to train.
Marshall repaid Casey’s faith on Friday night with a quinella in the Bonecrusher Promotions Spring S.O.T.B Round 2 Mobile Pace (1609m).
“Trevor has been a big supporter,” Marshall said. “I first came in contact with him when I was in Australia with Brent Lilley.
“He was a big help to me, he put me on his horses when I was over there. That was really good of him.
“We got to know each other and kept in contact and he put me on to these two and hopefully there are more to come.”
Marshall was delighted with the result and said patience has been key with both geldings.
“I was rapt with the quinella,” Marshall said. “We couldn’t have done much better than that, so I’m really happy.
“Bettor Sensation (winner) has been with me for about four months. When I got him I gave him a break.
“Pembrook Charlie, I have had him for a while. I gave him six months out to grow into his body because he is a late developer and this time in he has really improved.”
Marshall was pleased with both horses heading into the race, but admitted he was concerned about their unfavourable barriers (9 and 12).
“I was happy with them leading up to the race, their work was really good,” he said. “But when I saw their draws I was a bit worried over the mile.
“But we ended up getting gaps with both of them and it worked out well.”
Bettor Sensation’s win was also the first training victory of the season for Marshall.
“I haven’t had many racing, but I’m starting to trial a few and race a few now, so that’s good,” he said.
One of those that is soon to trial and is exciting Marshall is last start Gr.3 Northern Trotting Oaks (2200m) placegetter Lady Be Good.
“I am always happy with her and she is working up really well,” Marshall said. “She will be at the trials at Pukekohe next week and we’ll look to race her at Auckland on the 11thof October.”
Lady Be Good is one of 14 horses Marshall has in work at Cambridge Raceway and he said he couldn’t do it without the help of his support team.
“I really appreciate everyone who has helped me,” he said. “Especially George Wallace, my partner Georgia Norton, and Dad.” – Cambridge Raceway
