Hayden’s Request (Gelding, 5yo, by American Pharoah) claimed his second career win taking out the Benchmark 50 over 1000m at Casino Racecourse for a prize of $12,000. In the race, favourite King’s Gold led early, while Hayden’s Request tracked him closely in second. Showing great tenacity, Hayden’s Request surged past in the final stretch to secure an impressive victory.

Nori remarked, “This horse really loves it here at Casino Racecourse, now recording two wins and a third from three starts. We kept an eye on King’s Gold, and when we balanced up in the straight, he delivered a strong finish. If he gets another chance to race here, I believe he’ll be right in the mix again.”

Hayden’s Request was bred by Yulong Stud, a farm that has been rapidly expanding its influence in Australia. Yulong is notable for shuttling Panthalassa to serve as a sire in the Southern Hemisphere and for owning this year’s Cox Plate winner, Via Sistina (Mare, 6yo, by Fastnet Rock), who triumphed on October 26.