Kempsey trained gelding French Command wins at Lismore

The veteran racehorse, previously based in Queensland and now New South Wales brought up his 145^th career race in Lismore and certainly gave trainer Hilary Dew something to celebrate.

Race 6 on Saturday saw the gelding beat out 10 other horses over 1100m to collect prize money to the value of $5,850 for his team.

"He drew barrier one for a change, thank goodness, he never draws well," Dew said.

"He jumped out, held the fence for a while and then waited for the home turn and went to the leader and kicked away from him.

"It was a great effort for an old horse."

The 10 year old is certainly one that Dew has become well and truly acquainted with after owning him for seven years, purchasing the horse after seeing him race at Gympie.

"I've owned him since he was three so I've had him for quite a while and he's certainly one of my better horses," he said.

French Command's last win was late last year at Wauchope and success at Lismore brings him up to 15 career wins.

Despite the veteran status of the gelding, Dew won't stop him from racing until the signs are there that he's ready to finish.

"They're only allowed to race until their twelve, that's the maximum they can race till," he said.

"Eventually he'll tell me that he's had enough and once that day comes he'll be retired.

"But at the moment whilst he's still competitive, happy, safe and sound and wants to race I'll give him the opportunity to do it.

"There's nothing exciting about the old fella he just does his job for me and that's all I can ask for."

French Command's next race will be at Port Macquarie with Dew hoping to have around five to six horses nominated for the seven race event.

Kempsey trainer, Barry Ratcliff, will also have a nomination with four year old gelding First Time Lucky appearing in his second race of the year after a third in an open trial at Kempsey earlier this month.

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