HULL NO STRANGER TO LONGSHOT WINNERS

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JAKE Hull ‘s longshot winner at Goulburn yesterday didn’t really break new ground.

Whilst lightly-raced Ronardo was the complete rank outsider at $81 ($101 was bet) when he took the Maiden Handicap (1600m), the Wyong trainer is no stranger to preparing longshot winners at cricket score odds.

“In the early part of my training career, I also won a Maiden (1200m) at Newcastle in July 2023 with Plussey at 100-1,” Hull said on his way home.

“Jenny Duggan rode her, and she was having her first start for me against her own sex.

“I have probably had only a couple of horses who started at 100-1.”

Hull gave full credit to Ronardo’s owner John O’Connor for his three-year-old making the trek to Goulburn for only his third start.

“I thought a 1600m Class 1/Maiden Plate at Tamworth next Monday might have been more suitable,” Hull said.

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“But John was pretty keen to take Ronardo to Goulburn, and it worked out well.”’

Ridden by talented apprentice Mollie Fitzgerald, Ronardo defeated Shocair ($14) and Presumptuous Gal ($15).

A homebred, the Toronado three-year-old is the second foal of the Husson mare Micks New Chick.

“Ronardo has been a very slow maturer,” Hull said.

“I gave him his first two starts at Kempsey (fourth over 1450m) and Bowraville (second over 1370m) last month,” Hull said.

“They were probably the most unsuitable tracks for an inexperienced young horse.

“But obviously he took a lot of benefit from those races, and I think he is going to be allright.

“I can’t say I expected him to win, but of course it was great to see him break through.”

It’s been a difficult time for Hull since switching camp recently from Gosford to Wyong as his two stable aces Ferinzo and Valilee both hit hurdles.

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“Ferinzo had been ready to resume at Randwick, Tim Clark was booked to ride him and he was going super,” he said.

“But he pulled up sore after his last piece of work, and is in the paddock.

“I was devastated as I know the ability Ferinzo has, and hopefully all his bad luck is behind him when he comes back into work.”

Now a five-year-old, Ferinzo has raced only five times for three wins.

“Valilee was struck with a virus, and whilst his work had been good, you never truly know how if they have fully recovered until they race,” Hull said.

“Thus I was so pleased to see him do so well when second with a big weight at Newcastle last Saturday.

“The 900m isn’t his right distance, but I had to start him somewhere to get him going again, and he has come through the race well.”

STORY JOHN CURTIS, OCTOBER 7, 2026 - PICS BRADLEY PHOTOS