Trainer Richard Laming paid just $3,000 to buy the colt at the 2018 Scone Yearling Sale, and he put him into the ownership of a group of long-time friends including Gary Condon.
On Saturday that colt stepped up to the big time, emphatically beating a talented field in the Listed McMahon’s Dairy McKenzie S.
Condo’s Express began his career with three consecutive second placings at Wangaratta, Sale and Echuca. He took a big step forward with a victory at Moonee Valley on August 3, and he did it again to claim Saturday’s 3-year-old feature at his fifth career start.
Ridden by Linda Meech, who celebrated her 39th birthday during the week, Condo’s Express sat in fourth place before swooping into contention rounding the home bend.
Linda Meech
He swept to the lead and kicked away, winning by two and a quarter lengths from Hightail (Written Tycoon), with a similar margin back to Hawker Hurricane (Deep Field) in third.
“He’s gone terrifically well,” Meech said. “He pulled in the early part of the race and I was a bit worried, but he’s done an outstanding job.”
Condo’s Express has now earned more than $175,000 in prize-money – more than 58 times his purchase price.
“It’s always good to win for friends, so I’m a bit emotional,” Laming said. “Gary Condon has been a friend of the family for a very long time, so it’s great to win for him. There’s a lot of other good friends in this horse as well.
“It’s always good to win for friends, so I’m a bit emotional... Gary Condon has been a friend of the family for a very long time, so it’s great to win for him. There’s a lot of other good friends in this horse as well." - Richard Laming
“The horse has done an extremely good job. It’s his first preparation, and this was his fifth run. He just keeps improving and raising the bar.
“His work on Tuesday suggested he’d race like he did today, and it was a very good win. It didn’t quite unfold the way I was hoping, but he put them away nicely in the end. It’s great for everyone involved.”
Laming would not be drawn on future plans for the talented 3-year-old, who has been the subject of offers from overseas.
“There were a few people who were interested and rang us after his last win, and I’m sure they’ll ring again,” Laming said. “We’ll see what happens, and in the meantime we’ll just take it one step at a time with him.”
