The rejuvenated 8-year-old Epaulette gelding At Witz End earned a second stakes success at start 65 in Saturday’s Listed Imperial Racing Eye Liner Stakes (1350m) at Ipswich.
A pick-up ride for Cejay Graham after Samantha Collett was injured earlier in the day, At Witz End defeated Rocketing By (So You Think) by a length, with the favourite Wategos (Capitalist)the same distance back in third.
It was the second stakes victory and fourth win in eight starts for At Witz End since transferring to Daniel Bowen in March 2024.
The son of Epaulette advances his record to 14 wins, seven seconds, and 11 thirds from 65 starts with earnings of $645,250.
“He’s never drawn a gate and that was the case again today,” Bowman said.
“He came out slow and was stuck three-wide, and I thought, here we go again. I didn’t think he could keep going, but he loomed up in the straight, and for the first time I thought he was going to win.
“He’s just an amazing horse, but I’m just sad that Sam couldn’t ride him today. It’s great for Cejay, and I’m just so happy for the horse.”
“He’s just flying. It was a really bad placement by me the other day at Eagle Farm, so I gave myself two black eyes and a fractured cheekbone by the time I got back to the stalls. So I thought I had to turn it around go to the Eye Liner, and it’s worked out perfectly.
“I’d obviously love to get him to the Kosciuszko, so if there are any ticketholders out there, tell them to give me a call.”
Cejay Graham said she had mixed emotions.
“I feel for Sam because I know what it’s like. My heart goes out to her, so I’m going to get emotional. This win was for her and I hope she’s OK,” Graham said.
“The hardest part is that the racing just keeps on going, and when you’re injured you have to sit back and watch it all happen without you. But I’m sure she’ll be back in no time and we can’t wait to have her back.
“This horse is so tough. I went out there with an open book, because the map looked a bit sticky for him. There’s no point dragging him back, but I was hoping he would step better and we copped a big squeeze at the start. I thought he’d have to be good from here, and he’s a warrior. It was a great training performance by Dan because he’s got this horse going super.”
At Witz End is the best of two winners from four to race for the Galileo mare Here’s The End, who died in 2021.
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