Brian was using this race as a warm-up race for the main event at Flemington on Tuesday, November 5th.
But it was nonetheless a fantastic prize to win in its own right, more than the £160,000 that would cover the cost of an ambitious trip to Australia.
Brian is no stranger to Australia, having previously targeted the Melbourne Cup with smart stayer Carte Diamond.
Unfortunately it wasn't a success as his horse was injured in a freak accident during training a few days before the race, but Wands Moose Operator was very impressive on his Australian debut and took the win for the win. There was also a penalty, so everything will be planned out this time, which means if he still stays fit and healthy, he can definitely qualify for the Melbourne Cup.
The six-year-old, owned by Tyneside businessman Patrick Boyle, was Britain's most high-profile success, giving Brian a dream run in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle at the end of June.
Since then he has run two good races leading up to his Australian challenge after finishing a somewhat unlucky seventh place in the Ebor handicap.
What was remarkable last week was that Wandsmoose Operator, who is essentially a stayer, was able to win such a valuable race over a shorter distance than ideal. The Geelong race is one mile and four furlongs long, while the Northumberland Plate and Melbourne Cup are shorter distances. Over 2 miles.
But he won it, and with some style. Partnered by local rider Craig Williams, who had ridden him in the UK a few years ago, he had a record of 10 wins and 1 loss, but won like a cheap favorite, taking the lead in the final furlong and then quickly accelerating. and won a valuable prize. At 2/4 length.
It was an impressive Melbourne Cup trial, with bookmakers quickly cutting his odds from 33-1 to 12-1, but they are now down to 8-1 for next week's race.
After the win, Brian said: “I've been here a few times and I've had some bad luck, but this horse has been great. He's been here and he's actually put on weight during the trip. I ride his horse every day. Matt Brown was great.
“When I rode Craig for the first time, I told him he was no ordinary stayer; he had speed and was always good on his feet. He was a great rider. I think this horse is affectionate.” Here he was bouncing.
“I kept telling the owner that he had to go to Australia. Patrick loves going to races and the atmosphere in Australia at this time of year is great. I said I thought I had a chance.
“Things didn't go well for Ever. He was so far back in the race that nothing could come from behind. The plan was to sit in the middle, but he was shuffled to the back and There was too much to do. I thought he ran well in these conditions and I wasn't disappointed.
“You've got to keep your head down and keep kicking. Everyone has had some bad luck, but I've always believed in this horse and I know he's a good horse.”
One problem for Brian ahead of the Melbourne Cup is securing the services of a top-class jockey. Last week was won by jockey Craig Williams, who is a very popular jockey in Melbourne and has plenty of options. When it comes to big races, several phantom horses ride, so I don't know if I'll be able to ride One's Moose Operator again.
But if he chose him, that in itself would be a hint.
Brian was also in action on the home front last week when Hardy Broke defeated Remain Handicap against Nottingham on Thursday.
The 7-year-old horse, competing in a visor for the first time, was eliminated as a potential winner with a record of 9 wins and 2 losses, and although he was on the back foot in the early stages, he came out strong in the final stages and won by two lengths in Ben's hands. . Robinson.
It was the gelding's first win for Brian's Norton-based team, who was bought for just 4,000g at the Newmarket Training Sale in October last year.
Another Ryedale trainer who had a good week was Tim Easterby, who won nine wins in two weeks with Babrees winning the 6F handicap under jockey David Allan on the same Nottingham card.
Up until that point, it had been a somewhat unfortunate season for five-year-old horses. At York in July, he ran well with a moderate handicap, finishing 4th out of 21, but he did not improve from there.
However, Thursday's soft ground proved ideal for him and he showed good form from the start and he continued to run strongly to win by a head.
Tim has produced 84 winners this year, so there's a good chance he'll produce his sixth century winner in the last seven years.
Despite not having a star player, it was another good season for Norton's Julie Camacho. Earlier in the week Cover Point won the five-furlong handicap at Newcastle, taking his 30th win of the year to second place in his career.
Away from the racecourse, a quiz will be held at Jack Berry House on Friday 8th November.
This is more than just a race, teams can consist of up to 5 people and the cost is £15 per person including a light dinner.
There will also be a bar and raffle, with all proceeds going to the Jack Berry House run by the Injured Jockeys Fund. It is a great asset not only to those involved in the horse racing industry but to all those involved in the sport in Ryedale.
For more information please visit Jack Berry House, Old Malton, call 01653 602090 or email jo.russell@ijf.org.uk.
