Benaud claims eventful Wyong Cup 2023

Benaud landed the biggest win of his career when the John O’Shea-trained gelding took out an eventful $240,000 Wyong Gold Cup on Friday.

Dylan Gibbons partnered the son of Reliable Man to a narrow win over Bois D’Argent in the 2100-metre Listed event, which saw several runners severely impacted when The Mediterranean broke down around 800m while travelling outside the leader Desert Icon.

Tim Clark was dislodged from favourite Kalapour and Brett Prebble from Pretty Amazing, while Alegron, Hosier and Hopeful were all effectively pulled up after striking severe interference.

Clark, who is booked to ride leading Memsie Stakes fancy Alligator Blood at Caulfield on Saturday, and The Mediterranean’s rider Regan Bayliss were both assessed by on-course paramedics before being transported to hospital for further examination, while Prebble walked back to the jockeys’ room unharmed.

Benaud, who started $14 with Boombet, scored by half-a-length from Bois D’argent ($4.60 fav) with Spirit Ridge ($14) close-up in third position.

The victory was the realisation of a plan which was hatched in July for Benaud, who recorded the second win of his career – and first since debut victory ay Nowra – when taking out a Class 1 at Wyong on July 4.

Although the first Black Type success for Benaud, the half-brother to Tofane has three Group placings to his name, including a second to Hitotsu in the Group 1 ATC Australian Derby.

Clarke and Bayliss were not the only jockeys transported to hospital at Wyong with James Mcdonald involved in an incident that has his immediate future in doubt.

McDonald was thrown from Razors shortly after the start of the fourth race of the day and failed to fulfil his commitments later in the day after being transported to hospital for scans after complaining of leg and shoulder soreness