The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Homesman’s ownership included the late Michael Gudinski, an icon of the Australian music industry who sadly passed away during the week at the age of 68.
Star acts including Kylie Minogue, Bruce Springsteen and Jimmy Barnes all paid tribute after the passing of the music mogul, who was also a racing enthusiast and close friend of leviathan Melbourne owner Lloyd Williams.
Gudinski shared in the ownership with Williams of G1 Melbourne Cup winners Almandin (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}), Rekindling (GB) (High Chaparral {Ire}) and Twilight Payment (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}).
“Most importantly, Michael’s son led the horse back in and all I want to say is there is only one Michael Gudinski,” Williams’ son Nick said.
“Most importantly, Michael’s son led the horse back in and all I want to say is there is only one Michael Gudinski.” – Nick Williams
Homesman covered extra ground close to the pace by design and after looking down and out 300 metres from home, rallied valiantly for rider Jye McNeil to beat Best Of Days (GB) (Azamour {Ire}) by 0.1l with Chapada (Bullet Train {GB}) taking third off Paradee (Epaulette).
“It’s a big thrill and a huge team effort behind this horse. He did it tough and we had a chat with Lloyd (Williams) during the week and he had the idea of riding him out wide like the European horse he is,” Sam Freedman said.
“Jye rode him perfectly and the horse has got the tenacity and will to win. He’s now a two-time Group 1 winner and we didn’t get a slot in The All-Star Mile, but maybe this is better.
“We thought he may have been a touch stronger than the second horse and he’s proven at this distance. On the line I thought the other horse may have got the bob in so it was a pleasant surprise.”
Matt Gudinski with Homesman (USA)
It was also a moving victory for McNeil, who rode Twilight Payment to win last year’s Melbourne Cup.
“I’d like to thank all the connections for giving me the opportunity. It’s a very special win after losing Michael during the week and condolences to his family and friends, he was definitely out there riding with me,” he said.
“It’s a very special win after losing Michael during the week and condolences to his family and friends, he was definitely out there riding with me.” – Jye McNeil
“We’re as happy as we can be at a time like this. It as a tough performance by the horse, very well-prepared and it came down to Lloyd to come up with a plan of attack and it came off.”
Winner of the 2018 G1 Underwood S., Homesman has been sparingly-raced since and had three runs during a light spring preparation that netted him a first-up victory in the G2 Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley and freshened after finishing third in the G3 Eclipse S. at Sandown.
Homesman returned to finish a first-up third in the G2 Peter Young S. at Caulfield last month and showed his appreciation at Flemington of a return to a idle distance.
Jye McNeil returns aboard Homesman (USA)
