Flouncing finds her speed

Jesse Riley takes Rage and Rave to the front from the jump in the Greg Vidler Memorial Handicap.

Adam Hourigan

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Grafton Cup 2009

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Ballina Cup 2009

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Lismore Cup 2009

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LAST preparation, the filly Flouncing was rated the slowest animal in Stephen Lee's 36-strong Ballina stable.

At Grafton yesterday the three-year-old's new-found speed earned her victory in the Skinner Marine Maiden (1100m).

It was the first leg of a double for Lee, Goldwatch'n'chain, described by the trainer as “a dummy, real idiot”, taking the Bailey & Gough First National Maiden (1404m).

And on a blustery, smoky day, Paddy Cunningham kept the local flag flying, scoring with outsiders Getyourown and Hotact.

Flouncing was turned out after one inglorious venture in February.

“She was the slowest horse in my stable last time in. She couldn't get out of her own way,” Lee recalled. “I told the owner we'd have to spell her.

“It's done the trick. This time up she's a different filly.

“She was unlucky first up (at Grafton) when she missed the start and she worked real good leading up to today.

“I didn't think she could beat the favourite (Spoofs) but I was confident she could run second but we'll take this one gladly.”

Ridden by Lorna Cook, Flouncing beat Doinabradbury and Coradeym, the latter's rider Jasen Watkins attracting a $300 fine from stewards for excessive whip use.

Goldwatch'n'chain (Darron Coleman) was impressive steaming home out wide from near last on straightening to beat Booka and Castlemagne King.

“He's a dummy, real idiot but is going to make a nice horse eventually,” Lee said. “I'm going to turn him out straight away even though he's only had two runs this campaign. He's still backward and dumb. He just needs more time.”

Goldwatch'n'chain, by Success Express from Red Killick, is a half brother to stayers Hot Anchor and Interbank.

“He'll get over ground later. He's a big strong horse who will only get better,” Lee said.

Cunningham and wife Kathy moved back to Grafton from the Sunshine Coast in March and have enjoyed success since returning home. Getyourown was a real family victory. The Cunningham's bred and own the five-year-old mare and she was ridden by their accomplished daughter, Kylie. Nancy Clark and Rose Sloan also race the mare.

Above the mare's stable, a sign hangs saying: “I will bite.”

“You've got to be careful around Candy (stable nickname) she can be a handful,” Kathy Cunningham suggested.

Paddy Cunningham's faith in four-year-old gelding Hotact was rewarded when he won the Grafton Gas & Plumbing Greg Vidler Memorial (1404m), beating Promontory and Metrosexual.