Riley free to saddle up Diamond
Mornington trainer Mark Riley, disqualified for three years on Monday, will saddle up Of The Brave, part-owned in WA, in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Breeder-owner Neil Irvine's dream of claiming his biggest win in racing was threatened yesterday when Racing Victoria stewards issued Riley with a deadline.
The stewards insisted Of The Brave be removed from his stable this morning if the colt was to run in the weekend's $1 million feature.
But Riley received a stay of proceedings last night at the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal, enabling him to remain the juvenile's trainer.
Riley's Supreme Court injunction to delay Of The Brave's removal from his stables was rejected earlier in the day.
Stewards also refused bids to have Riley's stable employee, Logan McGill, take over training Of The Brave at Riley's stable and for another trainer to be hired to operate at his property.
He copped a three-year ban for administering bicarb to Gold For Kev before he raced at Sandown last July. The disqualification was not due to start until next Tuesday, but last night's stay ensures he can continue to train.
Of The Brave's connections, headed by former Collingwood footballer Michael Christian, were desperate to keep the youngster in his home environment leading into Saturday's feature.
Irvine, who operates WA mining company Rapid Crushing and Screening, has a 10 per cent share in the unbeaten juvenile.
"This is probably the best race I've had a horse in," Irvine said.
"Mark rang me about buying into a Written Tycoon yearling, named Royalic.
"I bought 50 per cent of him and 10 per cent of Of The Brave.
"In hindsight I should have bought 25 per cent of each, but that's racing."
Of The Brave drew barrier nine in the field of 15 and is the third favourite at $9. Fontiton, who is also unbeaten, holds favouritism at $2.60. The Robert Smerdon-trained filly drew barrier one.
Of The Brave's value as a stallion prospect will soar if he wins the Blue Diamond.
Irvine said the son of Starspangledbanner had improved significantly since his narrow Blue Diamond Prelude win over Pride Of Dubai last Saturday week.
"He's grown another leg since his last run," Irvine said.
"He hasn't drawn as well as we would have liked, but it's near the middle. Hopefully he can get across the line and his value will go up."
"This is probably the best race I've had a horse in … He's grown another leg since his last run.""Of The Brave part owner *Neil Irvine *
