Utah broke through for an impressive maiden win at Strathalbyn on Sunday, September 28.
Having just his second start for co-trainers Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor, the four-year-old finished powerfully from midfield to win easily in the SA Police Legacy Maiden (1600m).
Ridden by Jason Holder, Utah (($3.60) drew clear to win by 2-3/4 lengths from Youbeeforty ($31) with Annanda ($7) a neck away third.
After beginning well from gate two, the grey was outpaced early as runners from wide draw pushed forward to try and take up a prominent position.
Holder did not attempt to get into an early burn and allowed the gelding to balance up midfield before starting to move forward from around the 800-metre mark.
He secured a trail up towards the leaders before going clear turning for home and scoring comfortably.
On today’s win, Utah looks every chance of going through the classes and will appreciate trips up to 2000 metres at least.
Trainer Ned Taylor said it had been a great win by Utah.
“The race panned out perfectly for him,” Taylor said.
“It was a great ride by ‘Stubby’ (Holder), and he got a nice trail into the race.
“When he hit the front he really didn’t seem to know what he was doing but it was almost certainly the first time he had been in front in a race.
“He will he be all the better for the win.
“Hopefully he is going to be a nice horse going forward.”
Winning jockey Jason Holder said it was great to return to scale to be greeted by a large group of owners.
“I understand that Utah was the first involvement in racing for a number of the owners,” Holder said.
“It was nice to ride a winner for them.
“Aaron (Bain) and Ned (Taylor) prepared the horse really well today, made my job easy.
“Utah travelled really well in the run.
“But when he got to the front he wanted to look around a bit and star gaze.
“I think he is still learning what racing is all about. It was probably the first time he had hit the front in a race.
“I’m sure Utah can go through his grades.”