Old-timer rallies to bring trainer some much-needed joy

Myalup trainer Justin Warwick dominated the early part of Sunday’s Albany Cup card, while Pingrup’s Alan Smith endured an emotional rollercoaster to end a dramatic day of racing at Percy Spencer Racecourse.

Warwick notched a winning double on the 10-race program when Fireman Freddy and Dudemanbro both broke their maiden statuses in contrasting styles.

Fireman Freddy, a $3.40 chance on the tote, came from third on the home turn for jockey Chris Parnham to overhaul a gallant True Power by a nose on the line, with the fast-finishing Olaf a half-head away in third.

In the Helloworld Lower York St Fashions On Field Mai-den (1600m), Dudemanbro burst down the outside late to win by three-quarters of a length over So Edgy.

Hoop Jarrad Noske had the second favourite in the back half of the field and was eighth on the turn but attacked the line strongly late to win on debut. “(Dudemanbro) can obviously stay and he’ll be competitive in 2000m races,” Warwick said.

“It was a very ordinary bunch but he’s a big skinny kid who doesn’t know what it’s about still.”

Veteran Galinba Blast gave Smith some much-needed joy in the Amazing Albany In Autumn Handicap (2070m), the veteran stayer winning a third race in four starts. Smith had Albany Cup runner Jetson Express break down during the feature race with torn suspensory and fetlock ligam-ents and he will be retired from racing.

However, Smith was filled with emotion as Galinba Blast surged home to beat Kostyazilch in the final race.“It’s the highs and lows of racing,” Smith said.

“Its just incredible an old horse can come back like he has.

“I’ve retired him three times but this time in he’s just done better than ever and is in stellar form.”

Meanwhile, developing type Count Kala won his second race for trainer Allen McNamara, jockey Peter Hall lifting the four-year-old up by a nose over Force Element in race 7.

It is the second win in three starts for the promising youngster after being well supported in the markets.