Hughes banking on Briginshaw’s big motor

By Glenn Davis

Trainer Graham Hughes believes talented three-year-old Briginshaw has a big motor which could take him a long way.

The astute 71-year-old Townsville conditioner is excited about Briginshaw’s future and will keep his powder dry after the gelding starts in the QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap at Cluden Park on Friday.

A son of Doubtland, Briginshaw is yet to miss a place in six starts for two wins and four placings and is coming off a dominant last-start win over 1000 metres in Townsville on September 8.

Briginshaw clocked a slick 56.19 seconds for the 1000 metre dash and came home the last 600 metres in 33.35 seconds.

“He’s a nice horse and I think he’s got a very bright future,” Hughes said.

“His last win was very good and he ran great time.

“I’ll probably spell him after Friday and let him grow.”

Briginshaw is raced by Hughes and his wife Di along with their son Jason Hughes and was an $11,000 buy from Victoria.

“I got him for $11,000 after he went okay in a few barrier trials in Victoria,” Hughes said.

“My son, Jason, had a good look at the trials before he had his first start and thought he’d be a good buy.”

Hughes is hopeful Briginshaw will measure up to next year’s sprints during the Northern Queensland Winter Racing Carnival.

“He’s really only a two-year-old being a late September foal, so I’m going to spell him after this run,” Hughes said.

“I think he’s got a good future and hopefully he’ll make a nice horse for the Cleveland Bay.

“He’s only slightly built, but he’s got a big motor and with time he should grow into a nice horse.”

Hughes has been training for more than half-a-century and won the Cleveland Bay Handicap with Prince Lonely in 1981.

Hughes rates the Alisha Taylor-trained Red Scentsation and Fred Wieland’s Worthy Gem as the two major threats to Briginshaw in Friday's race. 

“There are a few coming from Rockhampton for this race including Red Scentsation, which looks a danger to us along with Worthy Gem,” he said.

“Worthy Gem beats us in Cairns last month, but it was Briginshaw’s first trip away from home.

“Briginshaw only won his maiden three runs ago and it was a big jump in grade to win against three and four-year-old horses last start."

A win from Briginshaw will continue a big few weeks for Hughes after the stable claimed the Queensland Provincial Horse of the Year Award with Burraneer Buoy.