There was a buzz around Emsley Lodge when Loyal Consul arrived at the farm in the 2019 autumn.
The son of dual Group 1 winner Monaco Consul was by the same sire as Prince Ziggy who had just won his fifth race in his five-year-old season, his last couple at Moonee Valley and Sandown.
“We had high hopes” trainer Jamie Edwards said. “Prince Ziggy was flying at the time and thought we would buy another Monaco Consul.
“He was a lovely yearling with classic staying bloodlines but we didn’t think for a second it would take him this long to win his maiden.”
On Wednesday, Loyal Consul, as a five-year-old, scored at his 16th race start the TAB Maiden Plate at Warrnambool.
“He has taken time and was definitely overdue for a win,” Jamie said.
“He has been consistent but finding his right distance has been a challenge.
“The consensus from riders was that 1600m was too short for him and 2000m was too far,” Jamie lamented.
At Warrnambool he found the “goldilocks” trip – 1700 metres.
Ridden by Jack Hill, the race unfolded perfectly for the robust gelding who settled midfield.
Jack said he would have like to have been a couple of pairs closer in the run but when the tempo stepped up he was able to track into the race nicely behind the even-money favourite Ready Set Tap.
When the leader broke two lengths clear turning for home, Jack conceded he thought his best chance was for second, but his hopes of winning lifted when Loyal Consul improved on the rails as Ready Set Tap drifted out under pressure.
“My bloke kept finding and at the 100m I always thought I was always going to win,” Jack said.
The winning margin was a short half head and a joyous moment for Loyal Consul’s patient owners which include some of Prince Ziggy’s connections as well as a group who raced with success his stablemate Fortune Rose.
“We found the right race and it set up beautifully for him,” Jamie said.
“It was deserving win for the horse and even more so for his owners.”