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Team New Zealand on top of Origin Jockeys Challenge

8 December 2017

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By Glenn Davis

Team New Zealand, spearheaded by Damian Browne, claimed early bragging rights on day one of the UBET Origin Jockeys Challenge at Doomben on Friday.

Browne got New Zealand off to a flying start in the Origin Challenge opener winning aboard Son Of A Brut in the Class Two Plate (2240m) and then finished second aboard Aberlady in the Class One Plate (1350m).

His two rides put New Zealand on top of the Origin Challenge ladder after day one with 10 points, one point clear of Victoria on 9 with NSW in third place on six points.

The Origin Jockeys Challenge continues at Doomben on Saturday before the final day at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday.

Luke Nolen picked up the maximum five points for Team Victoria winning aboard the Rob Heathcote-trained Femme Fireball in the second of the Origin Challenge races, the Class One Plate (1350m).

Nolen, who only arrived from Mauritius on Thursday, pulled up distressed after his winning ride but is confident of his State’s hopes in the series.

“I’ve got two good rides for Tony Gollan and Rob Heathcote again tomorrow and I think they’ll be competitive,” he said.

Femme Fireball denied the Kiwi’s maximum points on day one with a half neck win over Browne’s mount Aberlady.

South Australia collected its first points of the series when Jamie Kah finished third on Love Battles.

Browne gave a superb display winning aboard Son Of A Brut in the Class Two Plate.

Browne set Son Of A Brut alight off his outside barrier and led at the first turn out of the straight before taking a sit.

Son Of A Brut then challenged the leaders in the home straight and went on to down Another Cocktail by 1-3/4 lengths to give the Silver Ferns an early five points.

Tye Angland, riding for NSW, collected two points after finishing second on Another Cocktail while Claire Lindop picked up two points when Classy Ruby finished third, a further 1-1/4 length away.

“Wearing the silver fern is every Kiwi’s dream growing up, probably playing for the All Blacks, but to do it here in this manner is still a very proud moment,” Bowne said.

Racing Queensland webnews  Dec 8