Williams Wins Hobart Cup on Offenbach

Monday, 11 February 2008 00:00

Craig Williams' put the disappointment of losing the mount on Miss Finland aside when he produced a gem of a frontrunning ride to win Monday's $400,000 Hobart Cup aboard Offenbach.

Ballarat trainer Darren Weir said it was not planned for Offenbach, who drew barrier 12 in the 15-horse field, to lead.

But a daring Williams used his initiative when Offenbach jumped well.

Weir, who won the race in 2006 with True Courser and had the third placegetter Field Hunter last year, had some anxious moments in the early stages of the race.

"That wasn't the plan but that's why you put the good riders on," Weir said.

"I was worried when the field went past the post the first time, but when he got down the back he switched off beautifully. It was a working gallop really.

The $3.10 favourite was never threatened, scooting well clear on the home turn when the race was as good as over.

Offenbach scored by 5-1/4 lengths from fellow Ballarat-trained galloper Jacques Le Naif with Ista Kareem 1-1/4 lengths away third.

Williams, who had just one ride at Monday's feature meeting, said Weir wanted Offenbach to relax in running.

"He jumped well and he found himself in front and he relaxed really well," he said.

"The horse was prepared perfectly and he just dominated."

Williams said losing the ride on Miss Finland in Saturday's Australia Stakes was disappointing, but he just wanted to put it behind him and get on with the job.

"Not many jockeys have had such a long and successful association with a horse as I have had on her," he said.

"We've accomplished a lot and it's not over yet. I'm just not on her next time."

By Danehill out of Push A Venture, Offenbach cost $1 million as a yearling and was trained by David Hayes to win a Victoria Park maiden.

He was later bought cheaply by Jayco Caravan tycoon Gerry Ryan and Paul Heward and sent to Weir and gelded on his advice.

Since then the horse won seven of 12 starts.

Ryan, who bought out Coolmore Stud's interest in the horse, said Weir had thought in the early stages that he might make a jumper.

He said Weir had developed another of his horses, Virvacity, into a good jumper.

But after he ran fifth to Sarrera in the Warrnambool Cup (2350m) last May, form student Deane Lester recommended he target races such as the Hobart Cup.

Weir said Offenbach would stay at trainer David Brunton's Seven Mile Beach property to be prepared for the Group Three $300,000 Launceston Cup (2400m) on February 27.

Trainer Terry Kelly said Jacques Le Naif would stay on at the same property for the Launceston Cup, while Colin Little said Ista Kareem, also staying at Brunton's property, would do the same.

PICS - Fiona Tomlin.