SMALL EARNS HIGH PRAISE FROM HER MASTER

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HAWKESBURY apprentice LeeshelleSmall was back in the spotlight with a winning Kembla Grange double yesterday.

And she earned high praise from her master, leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup, for her performance on the first of her winners.

Small landed the Provincial Benchmark 64 Handicap (1500m) on a gallant Bondi Blossom ($11) for Widdup, and later the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1200m) on $21 chance Miss Emma for Canberra trainer Becky Byrne.

Small, an expat New Zealander with an excellent equestrian background, started in Sydney and transferred to Widdup’s stable earlier this year from Scone.

“The plan wasn’t to lead with Bondi Blossom yesterday,” Widdup said today.

“Rather it was to settle the mare in the box seat and give her every chance.

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“However when there was no speed on in the race, Leeshelletook full advantage of Bondi Blossom’s inside draw and made the running.

“It was good initiative on her part, and a smart move which no doubt won her the race.”

Widdup also considered using Small’s 3kg claim was a contributing factor as Bondi Blossom carried 57kg instead of her allotted 60kg.

Though rivals had their chance to get past her in the straight, Small kept Bondi Blossom going and she outgamed Kembla Grange trainer Theresa Bateup’s Master Riley and fellow Hawkesbury trainer Blake Ryan’s $4 favorite Midori Giant.

“Leeshelle is a good kid, and hopefully yesterday’s double will bring her more opportunities,” Widdup said.

“She can definitely ride, and her 3kg claim at the provincials is indeed a big asset.”

Widdup purchased Bondi Blossom, a four-year-old daughter of Bondi, for $45,000 at the 2024 Magic Millions yearling sale in Perth for his major client, Mike Gregg’s Mulberry Racing.

The mare’s victory was timely as Gregg celebrated a birthday yesterday.

Widdup had hoped to have a crack at this year’s Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm during the Brisbane winter carnival, and was buoyed when Bondi Blossom ran fourth in one of the traditional lead-ups, the Gold Coast Bracelet (1800m), when ridden by Jamie Melham.

However, an injury sustained during the float trip back to Hawkesbury put paid to any chance of the then three-year-old filly contesting the Oaks.

“She cut a leg pretty badly, and unfortunately it was the end of her campaign,” Widdup said.

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“That was Bondi Blossom’s third start back yesterday, and she seems to be most effective at 1500m-1600m.

“Her three wins have all been at those distances, and in Provincial grade races.”

Small has partnered Bondi Blossom at four of her last six starts, and also won a 1500m Class 1 Handicap on her at Newcastle in April.

Whilst winners haven’t come readily since Small relocated to Hawkesbury, she has recently formed a good association with Blake Ryan’s nifty young sprinter Just Awesome.

She has partnered him in both his recent 900m victories at Newcastle, and will get the chance to make her mark in town when she again partners him in a hat-trick seeking assignment at Royal Randwick on Tuesday week.

STORY JOHN CURTIS, OCTOBER 25, 2026 - PICS BRADLEY PHOTOS