A win to remember for Judd

Trainer Chris Judd with Western Style. Photo by Club Menangle.

Saturday night is one that young trainer Chis Judd will remember for a lifetime after he won his first metropolitan race with handy gelding Western Style at Tabcorp Park Menangle.

Formerly from Junee, Judd has been based in Sydney for a few years now and gained much satisfaction from the win of the five-year-old in the Bestinbeds.com.au Pace. 

Rated perfectly in front by Will Rixon, Western Style found the lead easily and then gave his opposition something to chase, running the last half in a slick 55.7 seconds.

The model of consistency was previously trained by his part-owner Trevor White at Junee, who won 10 races with him before Judd took over the horse’s training in August. 

“It was great to be able to win a race at headquarters for Chris,” said Rixon, who is a long-term friend of Judd’s. 

“He works hard with his small team and Saturday night’s success was thoroughly deserved.

“This horse goes really well, and I have no doubt he can win more races in town.”

Rixon and Judd will combine again this afternoon at Goulburn when The Mountain contests the Goulburn Soldiers Club Pace, the final race on a six-race program. 

The Mountain performed well in the Riverina for his former trainer Brett Woodhouse and while he has mixed his form in seven runs for Judd, this afternoon’s race and draw looks ideal for him.

From gate three, Rixon expects a forward showing from the gelding, who was not beaten all that far last start at Menangle.

“On paper, today’s race is his to lose from the good draw,” said Rixon.

“There are some speedy horses drawn around us so I will have to wait and see what happens at the start before deciding how I will drive him. 

“But if he gains the right run, I feel that he will be hard to hold out.

“I have driven him at his past three starts and have been quite happy with his efforts.”

Rixon has a busy afternoon, driving in five of the six races and he rates most of them as sound each-way chances.

“I like racing at Goulburn which is a nice big roomy track,” he said.

“I have a really good book of drives so, hopefully, I can come away with a winner or two.”