“The track was downgraded from good to heavy. She’s not a real heavy tracker,” Duryea told The Free Press.
But son and stable foreman Paul Duryea, and jockey Lewis German convinced the highly respected trainer that News Girl could handle the track - which was still racing quite well - and that she could get out into the right lane and get through.
News Girl did. Riding just off the pace, German took the $6.50 priced Chestnut out to the middle of the track with some 300 metres to go, gathered in momentum and with her usual burst of speed, was first past the post.
“It was a good thrill,” the elated trainer said. “I’m just so impressed with the young bloke who rode her. It was a great ride.”
From 17 starts, News Girl has five wins, three seconds and, in a Group 3 race, at Caulfield on February 2 this year finished third.
It was the third win at Caulfield for News Girl, the other two wins being at Albury with her first there in 2018. Her first race was that year, in September where she finished third at Corowa.
With the COVID-19 restrictions, Duryea couldn’t make it to Caulfield to witness the brilliant victory.
But there was no hiding his pride for News Girl. “I’m very pleased,” he said. “She’s a local horse, bred up here by the family. A lot of owners come from around here and Albury.
“A lot of racing people around here believe in her. When I go up the street it’s been a good talking point.”
Foaled on October 8, 2015 the Chestnut mare was sired by Magnus out of Dam Stacey Lee.
“News Girl has created a lot of interest for the area,” Duryea said. “She’s been a terrific mare for us. She’s done us proud.”
