Simon Ryan’s quest to win a Warrnambool Cup has gained momentum with imported stayer Post Impressionist joining his stable.
The Irish bred galloper carried the Lloyd Williams colours and was trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman before Ryan’s good mate Shane Morrissy bought him for $225,000 in an Inglis digital sale this month.
Morrissy has told Ryan he is keen to target the 2026 Warrnambool Cup with the lightly raced seven-year-old. 
The Warrnambool based trainer says he’s excited to be training Post Impressionist, a last-start seventh in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington on November 8.
“The Warrnambool Cup is a race I’ve always wanted to win as a trainer and I’m grateful Shane has given me a chance. 
“He’s the ideal dual-purpose horse because I think he’ll make a handy jumper if he doesn’t measure up on the flat.”
Post Impressionist has had 24 starts for four wins, including the Group 3 Manion Cup of 2024 at his first run in Australia. 
’Bool boys storm Hill
The long trip to Swan Hill was worthwhile for Warrnambool trainers Symon Wilde and Peter Chow on Sunday.
Wilde led in two winners — Star Testymony ($3.70 favourite) and Manhattan Mabs ($3.40) — while Chow won with Judge Kellie ($5).
Wilde said both his horses found suitable races at Swan Hill.
“Star Testymony mixes his form but in saying that he’s an honest horse. 
“Manhattan Mabs was unlucky last time at Hamilton. She’s been lightly raced because she had a few issues early on. 
“Her feet aren’t the best but our farrier Laurie Paltridge has done a great job managing them. I’m hoping she can notch up a few more wins now.”
Meanwhile, Chow praised the ride of Jack Hill after Judge Kellie’s win.
“I’ve got to give all the credit to Jack,” Chow said. “I was really worried before the race as we’d drawn wide but Jack sorted that out.”
Sunday’s win was Judge Kellie’s first in nine starts since crossing to Chow from the stables of Patrick and Michelle Payne.
Remski rewards Luke
Luke Williams is likely up his consistent mare Miss Remski at Sunday’s big Jericho Cup meeting at Warrnambool after a suprise win at Penshurst last Saturday.
Bookies bet $26 about Miss Remski in the benchmark 56 race and Williams was surprised the satchel-swingers were so generous.
“I’m not allowed to bet because I’m a jockey but I got a shock to hear they were betting such luxury odds,” the Warrnambool-based dual licence-holder said. 
“She ran third at her previous start at Warrnambool and she’d improved with that run under her belt. 
“I was quietly confident she’d run well and it’s great to get a win with (jockey) Christine (Puls). We’ve been friends for many years.”
Hard yakka honoured
Brendan Kelly was rewarded for years of hard work as secretary of the Penshurst Racing Club with life membership at the club’s annual race meeting last Saturday.
Kelly, born and bred in Penshurst, has held the role since 2013.
“It’s an honour,” he said “The racing club is a very important part of the town and the meeting is a big day for the local community. 
“The racing club has been going for 160 years. It has an amazing history and to be given a life membership is very special. The club is very lucky to have a wonderful group of volunteers who made the day such a success.”
Just under 1000 patrons attended.
The in-form Jack Hill took the riding honours at Penshurst, winning on Hollow Turf ($8) and Meteorite ($3.50 equal favourite). Hill was following up on a double at Dunkeld seven days earlier. 
Colac’s Carly Cook took the training honours, leading in Meteorite and Haather ($17).