Right: Lyndhurst trainer Robbie Laing holds the Sandown Classic trophy aloft with jockey and friend Noel Callow after scoring with Roman Arch last Saturday. Below: It was very much a family affair with Laing’s two daughters Grace (left), Evie and wife Rachael there to help celebrate the win. By Glen Atwell
THE Sandown Classic trophy didn’t have far to travel to its new home when Lyndhurst-based horse Roman Arch conquered the 2400-metre course to win the $400,000 Group 2 feature on Saturday.
The seven-year-old produced a sensational sprint down the straight to bolt clear and score for Robbie Laing, who prepares the horse at the Cranbourne Training Complex.
Jockey Noel Callow timed the burst perfectly, shifting out from the rails with 800 metres to run and guiding his mount past Zacielo and Expunge within 250 metres of the post.
Zacielo set a lightning tempo in the final feature race of the Spring Carnival, allowing Roman Arch to settle in with cover and enjoy a trouble-free run before responding well when Callow called on him.
The ensuing celebrations were very much family oriented, with Callow and Laing sharing a long and close friendship.
After the race Laing said he and Callow had a good understanding of each other.
“When Noel was 14 and finished high school, he went straight into training with my father, Eddie,” he said.
“The ride today was great.”
The spring is far from over for Roman Arch, who will likely back up on Saturday to contest the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes, with the maximum allowed weight of 60 kilograms.
Laing said backing up wouldn’t be a problem.
“He is a great horse and keeps on giving,” he said.
Eclipse Stakes day has been transferred from Caulfield to Sandown this year as the Caulfield track undergoes major works.
