Pierro Lad continued his rapid progression through the grades at Hawkesbury on Tuesday, making it back-to-back victories with another determined performance in the $42,000 Class 1 Handicap over 1500 metres.
Coming off his hard-fought maiden victory at Kembla Grange over 1400 metres, the Ciaron Maher-trained gelding stepped up in both distance and grade and once again showed his competitive qualities under jockey Keagan Latham.
Drawing barrier one, Latham gave Pierro Lad another economical ride, settling the son of Pierro in third position throughout the early and middle stages. Travelling comfortably behind the leaders, he remained within striking distance approaching the home turn before being asked to make his run in the straight.
Pierro Lad responded strongly when the pressure went on and, carrying 59kg, showed plenty of determination over the concluding stages to get the better of Don’s Party and score by 0.34 lengths, with Grafton Street finishing third.
The victory continued an excellent recent partnership between Pierro Lad and Latham, who has now been aboard for both of his career wins. Their previous success came at Kembla Grange on July 25, when Pierro Lad broke through in a thrilling four-way finish over 1400 metres, and the step up to 1500 metres at Hawkesbury appeared to suit him perfectly.
After showing consistent ability without quite breaking through earlier in his career, Pierro Lad has now put two wins together in the space of three weeks. His record stands at two wins, one second and three thirds from nine starts, with his prizemoney now exceeding $100,000.
“I thought it was another terrific effort from Pierro Lad yesterday,” said Triple Crown’s Chris Ward. “He has always shown nice ability, but he’s had to learn his race craft and the education and experience he gained during his last preparation are really starting to come through now. I’m sure he’ll appreciate stepping out over further as well, and I think there are plenty more wins in store for him.”
By champion racehorse and outstanding stallion Pierro from the Not A Single Doubt mare Lady Grazier, Pierro Lad was selected and purchased by Triple Crown for $105,000 from the Yarraman Park Stud draft at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
With two consecutive victories under his belt and continued improvement evident with each start this preparation, Pierro Lad looks ready to continue working his way through the grades.
Congratulations to champion trainer Ciaron Maher, jockey Keagan Latham and all the winning owners of Pierro Lad.
Ownership: Triple Crown Lady Grazier, Boolistic, Ian Brill, Paul Briotti, Scott Carroll, Nick Ennis, Robert Franklin, Gudonya Racing, Bradley Hogg, Peter Hughes, David Langley, Lexen Racing Syndicate, Jamie Lord, Michael Lunt, Peta Newsam, Michael O’Connor, Thomas Owen, Mark Peters, Michael Schulz, Jamie Smith, Guy Tristram, Michael Woo.
