By MATT NICHOLLS
THE only people that weren’t smiling were the bookies.
A roar erupted at the Armidale Jockey Club on Sunday when Brave Ali passed the post in the Guyra Cup, giving local owners a thrill and financial windfall,
Although the bookies kept the Craig Martin-trained gelding relatively safe in the betting at $2.60, it didn’t stop the punters unloading.
Brave Ali firmed into $2.40 by the time the 1900-metre feature race jumped, but he comfortably held out $2.10 favourite Emotional Outburst, even though the margin was half a length.
It was the worst possible result for the bookies, as the O’Reilly gelding is owned by well known Armidale residents, including jockey club secretary Jim Dedes and president Rod Watt.
Others included in the ownership are Troy and Benita Johnson, Sam Piddington, Nick Dooner and St Kilda Hotel publican Harley Payne.
Even Guyra had a connection to the horse, with former rugby league coach Craig Waters owning a share.
Dedes said he and the owners “got a big thrill” when Brave Ali won the $25,000 race.
“To win on your home track and be with the other owners was terrific,” he said.
Tamworth-based Martin said Brave Ali would likely have one more start this preparation before being spelled.
“He’s better racing fresh and I like to give him three or four weeks between runs,” he said.
“He might have one more run this year before we turn him out.”
Martin said Brave Ali would likely target the Walcha Cup (1440m) and Armidale Cup (1900m) in the autumn.
