Oscar Charlie made a successful return to racing, delivering a powerful performance to claim the Stu Maver Memorial Sprint (1000m), giving husband-and-wife team, Aaron and Kate Pateman a memorable victory.
Sent out as the race favourite and first up after a three-month break, Oscar Charlie proved far too strong for his rivals. Despite racing three wide on the pace, jockey Kate Pateman kept the gelding balanced and strong through the line, defeating Prince Ragnar by one length with Soaring Solo third.
The win marked a continuation of Oscar Charlie’s impressive form from last campaign, his first under the Pateman banner since transferring from the stables of Chris and Michael Gangemi. Since the move he has won four races and never finished worse than fifth, showcasing his consistency and class at Narrogin, Mount Barker and Carnarvon.
“He’s strong, he’s tough, Kate rode him perfect, she knows the horse inside out,” Aaron Pateman said post-race.
“I thought he would win today, he was too good to be honest.
“He is probably a bit classier than them.”
Pateman also acknowledged the emotional significance of the win.
“It’s good to come to Carnarvon,” Pateman said.
“Stu Maver was a part of the committee for a long, long time.
“These meetings are great; more people should come out.”
Stu Maver was a respected figure in the Carnarvon racing community and remembered fondly for his contribution to the sport in the region.
The Stu Maver Memorial Sprint, held annually at Carnarvon, was established to honour his legacy and impact on local racing.
Kate Pateman praised Oscar Charlie’s competitive spirit after landing wide from barrier five.
“You don’t have to worry about that here,” Pateman said, referring to Oscar Charlie’s wide run.
“He’s got to be clean in the wind and just happy and that’s where we were and that’s what he kept on doing.
“That’s his first hit out, so he will definitely keep on improving.
“He is one of those horses who gives you 110 % every time he hits the track.”
Meanwhile, in the Peter Evans Memorial Handicap (1700m), War Class, trained by Jackie Scott and ridden by Jefferson Tsang, got the job done in a tight affair over Divine Mercy, the winning margin a long head.
Who’s Your Mama was close behind in third spot.
Julio Santarelli