Grassmere Jewel – 1st – 1100m BM58 – Hamilton 10 November 2023
Following an impressive first-up placing, Grassmere Jewel recorded her fourth career victory, from just 6 starts, returning triumphantly to the track where she broke her maiden.
Emotional scenes followed the race, as it was the first she had won since the passing of Dean Holland, who had ridden her in each of her first four career starts.
After jumping smartly, experienced jockey Brad Rawiller took up the lead and cruised throughout the race, travelling well to record a soft two-length win.
Trainer Adam Chambers was very complimentary of Rawiller’s ride in the post-race interview, mentioning “he told me the other day he’s won nearly 4000 races, so I’m not sure why they aren’t putting him on”.
Chambers also paid a touching tribute to Holland mentioning “it’s been a tough year, real tough”, “we think about him (Holland) every day” and that “the world’s not the same without him”.
Acknowledging Holland’s connection with Grassmere Jewel, Chambers said “he (Holland) did a lot of work with this horse this time last year, winning his maiden here at Hamilton and then he won another two in a row at Casterton”.
Chambers was also proud to say that “I know Belinda and Darren (Dean’s parents) are at home watching and they were there on that day at Casterton, so we get to cherish those memories”.
TO WATCH THE RACE REPLAY – CLICK HERE
TO WATCH THE INTERVIEW WITH ADAM CHAMBERS – CLICK HERE
The win has taken her career prizemoney to $62,235, from just the six career starts, with a race on Jericho Cup day being a potential next step.
