John Bateman’s patience and horsemanship was highlighted by WAR DECK’s maiden-breaking win at Goulburn on Friday.
The gelding has long been a work in progress for the stable, with an erratic demeanour and tendency to travel keenly in his races.
But WAR DECK appears to have finally turned a corner under the tutelage of John.
Unwanted in betting at $21 and winless from his first eight starts, WAR DECK overcame a three-wide run to defeat the Joe Pride-trained and fellow Proven Thoroughbreds runner IS THAT SO by three-quarters of a length.
The soft hands of rider Kayla Nisbet allowed WAR DECK to settle in the 1500m event and claim an important milestone in his career as he learns more about what it takes to become a racehorse.
The stable’s other runner at the meeting, debutant OUTAHAND, dead-heated for third at mammoth odds of $101.
WAR DECK’s win kept the Bateman stable’s winning record at a healthy 19% for 2019.
