BRAD McLean, depicted as the villian in the family feud between his wife Nikita for sleeping with her sister Jackie Beriman, became a hometown hero when he won one of Warrnambool's feature races at the annual carnival today.
Nikita McLean and Beriman, both talented jockeys, have been embroiled in a fued that cost the former a five-month suspension for punching and kicking her sister at Hamilton on April 14 -- a sentence since cut in half on appeal. She told an inquiry that Beriman had ruined her marriage.
Brad, whose wife said was not helping with any finance, put himself through a vigorous fitness campaign -- helped by former jockey Brenton Primmer -- and rode like a man possessed to land Cats Fun as victor of the prized Brierly Steeplechase (3450m).
The win was a local and family affair as the 10 year old gelding is trained by Brad's brother Jarrod and owned by 10 locals. Prizemoney for victory is $62,750.
As McLean drove Cats Fun to the post, Beriman stood watching in the mounting yard. She rode the third placegetter in the following event. Nikita was not seen on track.
Jarrod McLean described the win as a big thrill for the family, and especially so for Brad.
"This is all about Brad. He has been through tough times. But he has lost 15-20kg in recent weeks to get himself fit for this," he said.
"He deserves this. He certainly can ride. If he was fit and had the opportunities he would be right up there with Steve Pateman as our leading jumps rider."
He shunned self-praise, but joked: "I have more money and brains than him and I hope to keep it that way."
Brad paid special thanks to Primmer, who almost died from a race fall six years ago but today stood by his father Mark as co-trainer of a Warrnambool winner earlier in the day.
"Brenton has been going to training with him. He is a true inspiration," he said.
The McLeans rejoiced as Cats Fun ($7) defeated Banna Strand -- famous for two years ago jumping into the public -- by four and a half lengths, with a head further back to the well-francied Berlioz.
Two of the 12 runners failed to complete the course. Phaze Action dislodged his rider Richard Cully with five of the 19 fences to jump, while Via Savoia fell at the last but was unhurt.
There were no casualities in any of the three jumps races and no anti-jumping protesters were seen inside or outside the racetrack.
Maher right at home at the 'Bool
LOCAL legend Ciaron Maher began the three-day Warrnambool carnival with victory in the Maiden Hurdle with the promising Viking Tiger.
The four-year-old gelding, backed into favouritism from $4.40 to $4, gained a rails run approaching the home turn in the 3200m event to dash clear to defeat McLoaded by three-and-a-half lengths, with Prussian Officer a length away third.
Maher, 31, splits his training between Caulfield and the 'Bool and is celebrated locally, having won two Brierly and Grand Annual Steeplechases with Al Garhood.
He has similar steeple plans for Viking Tiger.
"He had one jump race last season to prepare for this. I think he will be better over the fences and over longer distances so a steeplechase future is ahead of him. I may put him over the fences later in the season," Maher said.
There were no casualties as the 11 gallopers took on the 11 hurdles.
Maher's charge Jooli Lad then finished runner-up to Love Or Gold, trained by locals Bill and Symon Wilde, in the day's second race - the Maiden Hurdle also over 3200m.
Love Or Gold, a $16,000 yearling buy, had one and a quarter lengths to spare from Jooli Lad, with two and a quarter lengths to Encosta Rica.
Lake Eerie, trained by Anthony Cummings, dumped his jockey Gerrad Gilmour early in the race. The horse continued around the circuit unharmed, while Gilmour also recovered quickly.
No anti-jumping protesters were visable for the opening events, either inside or outside the track.
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