Racing: Veyron powers to victory

Rogan Norvall wins a Group One on Veyron. Photo / Natalie Slade

Rogan Norvall will never be a headline act among the professional riding ranks in New Zealand but the colourful jockey took centre stage for all the right reasons at Ellerslie yesterday.

Norvall has found it tough securing regular race day's rides in an industry dominated by top line jockeys like Opie Bosson, James McDonald, Michael Coleman and Sam Spratt but there is no doubting his determination.

Norvall secured his first Group One win as a jockey when combining with the in-form Veyron to overpower and out class a quality field in the $200,000 Easter Handicap.

Veyron was given a dream on-the-pace sit by Norvall throughout the running and lengthened stride impressively in testing track conditions in the home stretch to win effortlessly over Fears Nothing and Sir Slick.

Veyron - a striking 5-Year-Old son of Thorn Park - carried imposing form into the 1600m assignment unbeaten in his last three starts.

This included a last-start victory last Saturday at Te Awamutu but backing up seven days later and stepping up in distance from 1400m to 1600m did not trouble the gelding.

Cambridge trainer Linda Laing produced Veyron in faultless physical condition and was well-satisfied with another impressive victory.

"Dad and I have had a lot of success with this family and we thought he'd handle the track conditions and step up to 1600m," said Laing.

"This horse just seems to be getting better and better each time we take him to the races and it was a good effort carrying 57kg and winning that easily on a heavy track."

Veyron has been in commanding form this season boasting an impressive career record of eight wins and two minor placings from 13 starts.

Consistent filly Dowager Queen scored a well-deserved and clear cut victory in the $45,000 Champagne Stakes.

The daughter of Savabeel relished the heavy track conditions at Ellerslie yesterday powering through the mud in the home stretch clearing out from the opposition to score with plenty in hand over Vittoria and Richard (third).

Dowager Queen carried impressive form into this event including a last-start third behind wonder filly Anabandana in Group One company at Awapuni.

Senior co-trainer Graeme Rogerson was looking forward to campaigning the 2-Year-Old filly in Brisbane over the winter.

"She ran the mile out well and there are a couple of Group One races we can look at in Brisbane with her," said Rogerson.

"She hasn't had a lot of luck this season but I'm picking she'll get a Group One race before the season is over."

Dowager Queen will be part of a strong team the Rogerson stable will be campaigning in Brisbane over the winter racing period.

Winning jockey James McDonald was full of praise for the filly after an impressive performance. "The mile clearly suited her and I think she may have won on any type of footing she struck as she's very well at the moment."