Pair shares a regal reward

By Stuart Teather
CRANBOURNE trainer Chris Parry returned to the winners’ list at his home track on Sunday, teaming up with local jockey Danny Adam on board Regal Reward to claim his first win of 2009.
Parry has been out of action for the past two months recovering from a hip operation and the win in the 1200m BJ Electrics Country Showcase signalled what he hopes will be the start of a good run.
“I’m back fighting again now, you’ll probably hear a bit more of me in the next three to six months,” he said with a laugh.
Everything fell into place for Regal Reward on Sunday, according to Parry, and Adam stuck with the pre-race plan to perfection.
“The track was playing to the inside – if you drew the inside gate and you had pace it was an advantage,” Parry said.
“It suited my mare, she handles wet tracks, drew barrier one and she’s got pace.
“Pre-race plans don’t always work out the same way, but on face value pre-race, it looked suitable.”
Regal Reward cruised in three lengths ahead of favourite Jacovian in the race, continuing on her good form following a second placing at Cranbourne two weeks ago.
Parry spoke highly of his mare after the race, but was careful not to raise expectations too high.
“She’s a bit of a lightly framed mare. There’s no doubt she’ll win a mare’s graded race in town, beyond that she’s not listed level or group level at all, she’s just a good, honest mare.”
It was a locals day all round at Cranbourne, with five of the eight winners trained by Cranbourne locals.
Along with Parry, Ken Keys, Robbie Griffiths, Geoff Cousins and Judy Mawer all recorded victories, completing a fantastic meeting for the local industry.