Harry gets Group One in Auckland

You can’t beat father and son rivalry, especially at Group One level, and that’s what played out tonight at Alexandra Park in the G1 $100,000 HR Fisken & Sons Anzac Cup.

While stablemate and favourite Meant To Be broke, third season junior driver Harrison Orange stepped Higher Power (Father Patrick) away beautifully and got a nice trip behind pacemaker Walkinonsunshine.

When the field turned in, Orange came off Walkinonsunshine’s back and got a nice break on the chasing bunch which included his Dad Blair Orange and Midnight Dash.

At the line, although Midnight Dash was making up ground up the inside, Higher Power was too good and won by a length.

HIGHER POWER REPLAY

“I could definitely hear him coming (laughter),” Harrison said.

Oscar Bonavena powered home late for third.

A very proud father gave his son a fist bump after the pair crossed the line and celebrated a family quinella.

“It’s pretty cool. He’s been pretty consistent this horse, but has raced off handicaps. He’s just shown with a good trip he can compete against the top ones. A trip like that and rolling along nicely really suited him. It worked out a treat.”

After achieving a major milestone of 100 wins earlier his month, winning a Group One is an even greater achievement for Harrison.

By comparisons it took his father over 2,500 drives and his fifth season as a senior driver before he drove his first Group One winner Jay’s Debut at Alexandra Park in June 2005, so the young Orange has come a long way quickly.

“Obviously I’m very lucky to be driving for Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan. I’ve just got to thank all the owners and trainers that give me the opportunities. I wouldn’t be driving in Group One races without them.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink