It is not very often a horseman gives away a winning Derby drive and still manages a smile.
Barry Purdon wasn't just smiling about it, he was thrilled after doing just that with Matai Mackenzie in last night's $100,000 Great Northern Derby at Alexandra Park.
Purdon is the trainer and last-start driver of Matai Mackenzie and was expected to partner last season's Juvenile of the Year in last night's classic.
But before the field was drawn he changed to stablemate I'vecomealongway, swapping sulky seats with Brent Mangos.
The result was a perfect passing lane drive from Mangos to land the biggest win of his career, while I'vecomealongway was a close third, with the second favourite Franco Heir sandwiched between them after leading.
"I had the choice of drives but decided on I'vecomealongway because Katrina [Purdon's wife] owns him and I thought it would be the best thing to do," said Purdon.
"He went super too but I was rapt for the owners of Matai Mackenzie and especially Brent."
The Mangos-Purdon association goes back 15 years, to when Mangos spent four years working for the master horseman.
During that time he drove staying legend Luxury Liner, but was replaced by Tony Herlihy before any of the champ's really major wins.
He has continued to drive more spasmodically for Purdon and three years ago was the unsung hero of one of the great training performances of Purdon's career.
That was when Surprise Package overcame an interrupted preparation to win the Hunter Cup after Mangos had helped put the finishing touches on him.
"Brent was a big part of that win and to be able to help him get his first Derby win tonight was the biggest buzz of the victory for me."
The admiration was mutual, with 36-year-old Mangos rapt to win his first classic in the colours of his friend.
"It is great to win a Derby, especially for Barry because we have been mates for a long time."
It may not bee too long before the combination join forces for more success, with Matai Mackenzie a favourite for the $120,000 Sales Series Pace on Wednesday night.
Last night's win capped a remarkable form turnaround for last season's freshman star who had only battled in his first two runs this campaign.
"I always thought he would be at his best over the longer trips and we will now have to consider the Victoria Derby in February."
The victory also sparked some wild celebrations as the near 50-strong ATC Trot 2000 Syndicate which race Matai Mackeznie welcomed their hero back to the winners' circle.
The Derby was a muddling affair and the worst affected was favourite Young Rufus, who was checked into a gallop and lost all hope with 1600m to run.
While second favourite Franco Heir may have looked a touch disappointing when being run down after having an easy time in front, his trainer-driver John Hay said the rangy gelding was not entirely suited by being in front and lacked the ringcraft to fight off the challengers when they came.
While the night belonged to Matai Mackenzie, champion trotter Lyell Creek gave another faultless display to bolt away with the National Trot.
He easily found the front in the middle stages and was never extended to record win 25 from 28 starts in a time less than a second outside the national record.
His cause was aided by second favourite Mountain Gold galloping in the run-up, although he made up considerable ground for fourth.
The other highlight of the third night of the Auckland Cup carnival was the victorious swansong of millionaire mare Under Cover Lover.
The southern mare had not won a race for two years but waved goodbye to racing with a national record-equalling win over 2200m in the Queen Of Hearts Pace.
Racing: Purdon gives away Derby - and can't stop smiling
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.