Speedy Warrnambool mare Cavalry Girl lost no admirers running a gallant second in last Saturday’s $750,000 Moir Stakes at Sandown.
With Craig Williams aboard, the Tom Dabernig-trained mare finished a short neck behind My Gladiola in the 1000-metre Group 1.
Dabernig said the four-year-old was brave in defeat.
“She was very game,” he said. “I thought she might just hold on and win but My Gladiola was just too strong. 
“Cavalry Girl has had a great campaign. She’s won four races and now run second in a Group 1. It’s a pretty good effort.”
My Gladiola also has a Warrnambool connection, with trainer John McArdle having been raised in the seaside town.
“It’s wonderful to get another Group 1 winner with great people,” McArdle said. 
“Racing has been wonderful to me. It’s a tough business but I love it. 
“I left Warrnambool for Melbourne at 16 after attending the old Christian Brothers College. 
“I loved living in Warrnambool but I wanted to have a go in the big smoke. My mum Eileen and brother Peter are still in Warrnambool. 
“It doesn’t get any better than training Group 1 winners. It’s the pinnacle.”
McArdle was full of praise for Mott following the victory.
“Jamie has been with our stable for a long time,” he said. 
“He’s a really hard worker and deserves the wins he gets. 
“We’ve been close to winning a Group 1 together previously but to do it with My Gladiola is really special for the both of us. 
“She’s been a great horse for the stable, having run against the best her entire career. We ran second to Tentyris a couple of times. 
“She really deserved the Moir win and it’s full credit to our staff at the stables.”
My Gladiola’s win took her stake earnings past $1.5 million from 13 starts.
Early win for Weatherley
Former Warrnambool apprentice Jordyn Weatherley has hit the ground running in Adelaide.
Having just her fourth ride since relocating to the city of churches, Weatherley led all the way on Chakado for Phillip and Tommy Stokes in the benchmark 70 Sportsbet Get On Extra Handicap (1300m) at Morphettville Parks last Saturday.
Weatherley’s effort to rate Chakado perfectly en route to a four-length win will have impressed the punters who backed the grey in from $6 to start the $3 favourite.
Weatherley’s partner, fellow jockey Harry Grace, made the move to Adelaide three months ago in search of more opportunities. 
Weatherley only returned to riding on August 29 from an injury she sustained at Oakbank on April 4.
“It’s great to get a metropolitan winner so quick,” she said. “I’ve received plenty of support from various trainers and owners since I moved here and I’m grateful for that support.”
Weatherley has ridden 75 winners from 572 rides in less than three years at a strike rate of 13 per cent.