PROVINCIAL TRAINERS “ON FIRE” AT HAWKESBURY

Valilee with Jake Hull & Mitchell Bell

PROVINCIAL trainers didn’t mess about at Hawkesbury’s season opener yesterday, snaring four races including the last three legs of the TAB quadrella.

Gosford trainers Kylie Gavenlock and Jake Hull continued their great form, leading Kembla Grange trainers Rob and Luke Price scored with a promising mare, and Hawkesbury’s leading trainer Brad Widdup got off the mark in 2025-26 with another mare appearing capable of better things.

Gavenlock’s stable is absolutely “on fire” as Thebes ($2.70 favorite in the Class 1 Handicap (1500m) was her fourth winner from her last nine runners.

Gavenlock scored with Alfred (who also was runner-up to Team Price’s Commanding Belle yesterday) at Wyong on July 24, then Renoir at Muswellbrook three days later and Zip On By at Newcastle last Saturday.

Thebes, ridden by apprentice Mollie Fitzgerald, is a four-year-old by American Pharaoh who won his second race when he defeated Heron ($13) and Affermato ($3).

Hull made it two wins from as many starts with the talented five-year-old Valilee ($2.25 favorite) in the Class 1 Handicap (1100m).

Valilee flew out of the stalls and never looked like losing, and defeated a strong-finishing Honey Perfume ($6) and Cheeky Smirk ($12).

Despite the fact he is unbeaten, Hull is in no hurry to chase a hat-trick with the gelding, who has overcome serious issues to make it to the racetrack.

“He wasn’t at his best today, but was still able to win,” Hull said.

‘I will talk with Valilee’s owner John O’Connor and recommend we give him a break.

“We have thrown a lot at him this preparation, and he is a very nice horse who looks to have a bright future.

“If we can give him a rest now, I’m sure we can look forward to more enjoyment with him next time in work.”

Team Price is looking further down the track with Magic Millions buy Commanding Belle ($3.70), who took the Provincial Class 1 Handicap (1300m).

Commanding Belle with Rob Price & connections

Ridden by Brock Ryan, she scooted along the inside to defeat Gavenlock’s Alfred ($4.20) and fellow Kembla Grange trainer Mitch Beer’s Denial ($7).

“By giving her a break now, Commanding Belle will get every chance to make it to the Magic Millions 3YO Classic (1400m) at the Gold Coast in January,” co-trainer Luke Price said.

Widdup’s Sunset Park could easily have gone to the breeding barn without racing – and now has won three of her six starts.

Widdup kicked off the new season at home when blueblood Sunset Park ($3.60 favorite) led throughout and ran her rivals off their legs in the Clarendon Tavern Benchmark 64 Handicap (1800m).

The now five-year-old mare began quickly, hurdled the crossing soon after the start and then gave her opposition the “jump”.

She was never in danger thereafter and had two and a half lengths to spare at the post over runner-up Jacob’s Time ($6), who tried valiantly to match her.

Fellow Hawkesbury trainer Peter Green, who drove a $51 winner (Rogervalerio Lombo) at Menangle yesterday, ran third with Avion Fury ($11).

Sydney businessman Adrian Whittingham purchased the unraced Sunset Park online at a UK sale, and races her under his Cross Park banner.

She is a daughter of Sea The Stars, regarded as one of racing’s greats who won six Group 1s in the same year (2009), beginning with the 2000 Guineas and Epsom Derby and concluding with France’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Godolphin offered Sunset Park at the broodmare sale, but also stated that she could be bought as a racing proposition before embarking on a breeding career – and Whittingham chose Widdup to train her.

Sunset Park was the trainer’s 400^th career winner when successful in a Provincial Benchmark 64 Handicap (2000m) at Hawkesbury in February, and followed up on an excellent first-up fourth in an unsuitable 1300m Midway Benchmark 64 at home on July 20 by adding to her record in style.

“I could have run her on the Kensington track tomorrow over 1800m, but today’s race looked a perfect set-up for her,” Widdup said.

“Sunset Park is a lovely mare and enjoyed being able to take up the running.

“I’m sure she is going to take further improvement from this race and, now that she has won again, deserves her chance in town next.”

Meanwhile, Widdup is pleased with Nashville Jack’s progress since his first-up city success, and is hoping to double up with him at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

The talented three-year-old will contest the Listed The Rosebud (1100m), with Jason Collett again his rider.

Nashville Jack, at only his third start, convincingly won a 2YO Handicap (1100m) at Royal Randwick on July 26 when resuming.

Story John Curtis, August 13, 2025 - Pics Bradley Photos