Auvray claims first success in three years

The Freedman name is synonymous with many of Australia’s best races but the Randwick Mayor’s Cup, a 2400m race for benchmark 89 stayers, has taken on extra significance.

Auvray, who hadn’t won a race for three years, gave Richard Freedman his first Saturday city winner since he returned to the training ranks in 2016 and branched out on his own after being a part of Freedman Brothers Incorporated with brothers Lee, Anthony and Michael some years ago.

The seven-year-old came to Australia off the back of a Group Two win in France and was transferred to Freedman after stints with John Thompson and Darren Weir.

Punters didn’t hold out much hope with Auvray at $17 but aided by a canny ride from Glyn Schofield, he wore down favourite Sayed ($1.65) to win by a head.

“He is the hardest horse I have ever had anything to do with,” Freedman said.

“So we have tried a few different things with him this week.

“We have worked him very hard without hurting him and he has copped it well.

“He is a Group-class horse and I’m grateful to the China Horse Club for keeping him in work and sending him to me to train.”

Freedman said the Newcastle Cup (2300m) on September 15 was the goal.

Schofield positioned Auvray behind Sayed in the straight then swerved to the inside to take a rails run.

“I think he thought he was going another lap,” Schofield said.

“He really gave today.”