“SOLDIER” BEATS ILLNESS AND HIS KENSINGTON RIVALS

CO-trainer Luke Price described today’s Kensington winner Noble Soldier as an “old legend” – and understandably so.

Not only did the eight-year-old gelding capture his ninth win at his 51^st start, but the victory was even more special considering he beat a recent illness to make it back to the racetrack.

“The reason Noble Solider hasn’t started since June 21 at Royal Randwick is because he got very sick a week after that race,” Luke Price revealed this evening.

“His temperature was up around 40 to 41 degrees for a few days, and we had to treat him.

“Thankfully the weather was okay around that time, and six days in the sun helped him recover.

Noble Soldier has been a staple member of the team prepared by leading Kembla Grange trainers. Price and his father Rob, and won two of his first four starts (both at Moruya in September and October, 2020).

He is no stranger to the Kensington track either, having won a Benchmark 72 Handicap (1250m) there in August 2021.

Noble Soldier also has won races at Rosehill Gardens and Randwick; the latter at $51 just before Christmas in 2023.

“Noble Soldier’s first-up run when ninth in a Benchmark 78 Handicap (1000m) at Randwick in June wasn’t bad,” Luke Price said.

“He ran the third best sectional that day before getting sick a week later.

“Having got him right again, we have been waiting for the right race, and Tommy (Berry) gave him a great ride today.”

Noble Soldier ($11) drew the inside in the CG&E Benchmark 72 Handicap (1250m), and Berry never went around a horse.

The gelding responded strongly in the straight to secure a winning break and hold off the late finish of Newcastle trainer Nathan Doyle’s Silvanito ($4.60), with another Novocastrian, Paul Perry’s Cruel Summer ($6) third.

Berry was later fined $400 by RacingNSW stewards for using the whip 10 times (five more than permitted) prior to the 100m.

In assessing the penalty, stewards said they took into consideration the jockey’s good disclipinary record in regard to whip related offences.

Team Price now is hoping to parlay Noble Soldier’s breakthrough (he hadn’t won since that Randwick Benchmark 88 Handicap at $51 on December 23, 2023) into success with their talented mare Our Gold Hope at Rosehill on Saturday.

With Berry again on top, Our Gold Hope lines up in the Benchmark 100 Handicap (1500m) for her second start this campaign.

The now five-year-old, runner-up in the 2024 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm, resumed when fifth to War Eternal in the Spring Preview (1400m) at Rosehill on August 16.

“Our Gold Hope struck trouble at a vital stage in the straight, and definitely should have been placed,” Luke Price said.

“She has taken good improvement from that race.

“It’s a capacity field but Our Gold Hope has drawn well, and we’re confident she will run well.”

Story John Curtis, August 27, 2025 - Pics Bradley Photos