Lisa Latta welcomed the rain at Hastings on Saturday for Old Town Road and her genuine six-year-old duly showed his appreciation of the heavy going to post his sixth career victory.
The Awapuni-based horsewoman had the son of Westbury Stud’s El Roca in tip top order for the open 1300 metre contest after success on his home track the previous weekend and he prevailed in a driving finish to go back-to-back.
“I was pretty confident with him, he enjoys the looser tracks and he likes Hastings,” Latta said.
Old Town Road was quickly into stride to sit in third spot away from the fence and he finished resolutely in the straight to collar Clever Ruds, who had taken control on straightening, and lead home a quinella for El Roca.
“He got into a nice position and we thought El Vencedor would lead up and we had to keep him within our sights,” Latta said. “Old Town Road is just an old war horse and he always gives his best.”
The gelding was ridden by apprentice Lily Sutherland, who reduced the impost to 59kg, and she executed the pre-race plan to perfection.
“He travelled beautifully and hit the line really well, he’s so tough and tries so hard.
“I’m very grateful to Lisa for the ride and for all her support.”
Old Town Road was co-bred by part-owner Ian Wyeth, who trained the horse for his first three successes, and is out of the Towkay mare Malaya whose half-sister was an Australian stakes winner and hails from the family of the G1 Railway Handicap winner Ensign Ewart.