GREEN’S THRILL AT ENDING HIS “DRY TROT”

A winner at Wyong gallops and then a couple of drives at Penrith trots!

All in a day’s work for Hawkesbury’s versatile trainer Peter Green.

Whilst he has been in the winner’s circle at the trots, such hasn’t been the case at the gallops – until today.

Green broke through for his first success this season when Exothrill ($3.90), aided by a superb Chad Lever ride, bolted away with the Provincial Maiden Handicap (1350m).

In the process, he became the 23rd Hawkesbury trainer to enter the winning list in the current season.

In an excellent day for the provincials, fellow trainers Claire Lever (Hawkesbury) and Wyong pair Mark Cross and Kim Waugh were successful, and jockey Jenny Duggan celebrated a winner after recently returning from an injury-enforced layoff.

At his 13th start, now four-year-old gelding Exothrill, who fetched $20,000 at the 2022 Inglis HTBA yearling sale, led home a Hawkesbury quinella, defeating Mike Van Gestel’s Johnny Smash ($6) by more than two lengths.

Lever had Exothrill back near the tail in the small field before going around the tiring leader Zousoul before the hone turn, and saved valuable ground by going back to the inside.

With clear running, Lever drove the Exosphere gelding through and he quickly put the race to bed.

After spending a brief period at Kembla Grange, Green returned to Hawkesbury last year and is back on course with eight horses in work.

“It’s been a dry run, and great to get that win today,” he said before heading off to drive in the first two races at Penrith.

Green previously trained and drove pacers, and also worked as a harness racing steward.

“Exothrill has been a very slow maturer,” he said.

“I’m really pleased for his owners, who are a great bunch.

Some of them are mates of mine, and they have been very patient with this horse, so it’s nice to see them finally get a reward.”

As for the trots, Green says he returned to driving purely as a hobby.

“I’ve had a few winners, and hopefully the tide has now turned with the racehorses as well,” he said.

Whilst Chad Lever was aboard Exothrill, his Hawkesbury trainer wife Claire also was in the winning list at Wyong.

But it was Winona Costin who had the mount on debutante Yes Siree ($3.10) in the following race, the Maiden Handicap (1000m).

Though obviously inexperienced, the three-year-old son of 2019 The Everest winner Yes Yes Yes was too good for his rivals.

A $70,000 yearling buy at the 2023 Inglis Classic Highway session, Yes Siree had been ridden in both his trials (in November and April) by Costin.

In what developed into a duel between Hawkesbury pair Yes Siree and Tommy Wong’s $2.70 favorite Step Quick, the former had the edge over the closing stages.

There was certainly merit in his debut performance as RacingNSW stewards reported he bounded on jumping, raced three wide without cover for the majority of the race and laid in under pressure in the home straight.

Jenny Duggan, sidelined after being injured at Coffs Harbour on December 30, returned to the winning list on Mark Cross’ Executive Decision ($26) in the CG&E Benchmark 64 Handicap (1100m).

Posting her 241st winner and first since December 22 at Taree, Duggan took full advantage of a huge gap on the inside on straightening to take Executive Decision to victory from last before the home turn.

Despite having scored at Port Macquarie on April 11 (also at long odds, $51), Executive Decision was largely ignored by punters – and proved them wrong.

Kim Waugh clinched her 21st winner of the season as she nears a career 700 (currently 694) when Bend The Knee ($7.50) raced away with the Conditional Benchmark 68 Handicap (1350m).

In an all-Wyong result, Bend The Knee trounced Tracey Bartley’s $2.20 favorite Titanium Miss and Damien Lane’s Wealthy Investor ($12).

It was no coincidence either that Jay Ford was aboard Bend The Knee. He has been Waugh’s most successful jockey; this being his 59th victory for her.

Story John Curtis, May 1, 2025 - Pics Bradley Photos