Rare praise for Another Prelate

By David Nagel
LOCALLY bred seven-year-old gelding, Another Prelate, scored not only a convincing win at Sandown last Wednesday, but rare praise from part-owner, Gavan Bourke.
The Bourke family tradition holds legendary status at the Pakenham Racing Club, having tasted success in the Pakenham Cup as far back as 1937.
Another Prelate ran fourth in this year’s cup and surely the Bourkes are chomping at the bit to saddle up for another crack in March at the biggest racing prize on offer in their home town?
“It all depends on how he’s going at the time, we won’t set the horse for the race but if all’s going well, who knows?” Bourke said.
“I don’t praise them up too often but he goes well, he was a length in front at the top of the straight (Wednesday) and it stayed that way.
“We’re happy he ran out a strong mile, Brien and Hughy (Bourke’s brothers) bred the horse at Monomeith and he has turned out a good horse, he’s now won six from 28.”
Making the most of a masterful ride by Craig Robertson, Another Prelate, carrying 59kg, hit the front soon after straightening and held on for a courageous win in the Le Pine Funerals Handicap (1600m).
In great form after five runs this time in, there are no plans for a spell. Another Prelate will back up in similar company in the coming weeks.