Currie celebrates return with Stakes win

Toowoomba trainer Ben Currie celebrated his return to a metropolitan racetrack with the last-to-first win of Mishani Vaidra in the $125,000 Gold Coast Stakes.

Currie is facing a lengthy stewards inquiry which started Monday but won’t finish until late next month which involves 39 charges and various alleged offences.

He has also been banned from attending Brisbane Racing Club tracks at Doomben and Eagle Farm but he is allowed at other venues including the Gold Coast.

It meant it was the first time in four weeks Currie had attended a metropolitan-class meeting but it was worthwhile for him.

Mishani Vaidra ($7) stormed home to beat Hallelujah Boy ($4.40) by a half head with a length to High Degree ($31) in third place.

The win carried an extra double bonus for a winner who is QTIS registered which gave Mishani Vaidra a first prize cheque of $145,000.

Currie said Mishani Vaidra would now head to the Toowoomba Cup (2000m) on April 6.

“The distance will suit her but she is a light little thing and I might have to give her another run before the Cup,” he said.

“It was a great promotion with the QTIS bonus payments and hopefully it will continue next season.”

Josh Oliver picked up the ride when Jeff Lloyd, who rode Mishani Vaidra at her previous start, elected to stick with Jaminzah who was eventually scratched.

“She is a real trier and sprinted hard through the wet track,” Oliver said.

Hallelujah Boy and High Degree are also on course for a Toowoomba Cup start.