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Patronus stars in WA derby

Justin Fris and Ernie ManningSouth Western Times
Dylan Egerton-Green, pictured here piloting Mighty Conqueror to victory in January, tasted more success at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Camera IconDylan Egerton-Green, pictured here piloting Mighty Conqueror to victory in January, tasted more success at Gloucester Park on Friday night. Credit: Hamilton Media Creators

Harvey-born and raised reinsman Dylan Egerton-Green delivered another piece of coveted silverware for Greg and Skye Bond, after catapulting Patronus Star to a stirring victory in Friday night’s $200,000 Sky Racing WA Derby (2536m) at Gloucester Park.

Egerton-Green, who won the WA Pacing Cup for the Bond stable in January while piloting Mighty Conqueror, again showed his class when a feature came down to the wire.

After wearing down the valiant Justin Prentice-trained jet Major Martini, Patronus Star scored by 1m.

In doing so, the Kiwi gelding, in his second ever WA start, rated 1.56.4 and eclipsed the 1.57 race record set by King Of Swing two years ago.

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Post-race, Rob Gartrell, who purchased the three-year-old in a partnership with the Bonds, was over the moon with the result.

“Greg and Skye showed skill to get him ready for a Derby triumph on his rushed preparation after he arrived in WA much later than planned,” Gartrell said. “They had time to give him only one lead-up race, a 1609m Bunbury event which he won last Saturday night.

“He then had to step up to 2500m in much stronger company.

“Dylan drove him in great style to get off the pegs after he drew inside the back line.

“We’re excited about Patronus Star’s future and he’s probably now earned a spell, after such a big win on a quick preparation.” The Kiwi has now earned more than $146,500 in stakes money.

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