Governor Bois Appreciates Better Footing
- Wednesday, 05 August 2009 00:00
A winner of six races on the flat, including a Dunstan Feeds Championship Qualifier at Te Rapa defeating Tinseltown and I'm Isaac, and a win over capable gallopers Wai and Halls at Awapuni, Governor Bois had placed in seven of his nine hurdle attempts before scoring on a track rated Slow (8).
Wheeler said, "He's a pretty good horse, having won approximately one-hundred and twenty thousand, but he needs a good track."
In addition to striking favourable footing he was given a perfect ride by Shelley Houston.
Patiently handled back in the field on the rail, Houston worked Governor Bois through the field from the 600 metres to challenge for the lead at the last hurdle, and after judging it nicely he kept up a strong gallop to draw away with second placed Asset Stripper, winning by half a length, with one and three quarter lengths to Ben's Dream, who signalled a hurdle win is within his grasp.
Owned by Wheeler along with Barry and Deidre Neville-White, Governor Bois had displayed an ability to quicken at the business end of his races, on numerous occasions, an attribute that will see him gain further success over hurdles when confronted with footing to suit.
