Article written by Darcy Cosgriff from Racing.com on 27 July 2024:
Promising Toronado filly Herbert Park has claimed her third-straight victory at Caulfield on Saturday, relishing the tough going to post a gritty win for the Noonan team.
Trained by Tony Noonan, ridden by one of Noonan’s sons (Jake) and strapped by another (assistant trainer Tom), the three-year-old started a very well-backed ($16 into $5.50) chance third-up, having won her first two starts this campaign under apprentice Dakotah Keane.
Kate’s Tiara ($16) ensured a good tempo up front, but Herbert Park always looked comfortable cruising three-wide, and let down strongly upon straightening.
She hit the lead at around the 100-metre mark, and though Sunset Dreaming ($4.20) and Kundalini ($5.50) made good late ground, they ran out of time, as Noonan’s galloper scored her fourth win from four goes on the wet, and just six starts overall.
“She’s honest – very honest and tough,” Noonan said.
“I was a bit worried when the rain hadn’t come, but sometimes those Hail Mary’s help a bit, so we did plenty of them!
“She’s progressing really well… as I said to the boys, it’s just nice to train a half-decent horse that can progress, and she’s heading in the right direction.
“She always showed good ability, but at times she’s been a little bit hot, so we’ve just had to handle her carefully.
“Jake and Dakotah have done a terrific job with her, Tom, my son, has done a terrific job with her, she can be a bit tricky. It’s been a great team effort by everyone at home.”
The win doubled as a birthday present for Noonan’s mentor, two-time Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Mick Robins, who turned 94 on Saturday.
Robins trained Rain Lover to consecutive Cup wins in 1968 and 1969, with his horse carrying roughly 10 extra kilograms the second time around.
“A good mate of mine, Mick Robins, is 94 today. Mick worked for me for a number of years and trained Rain Lover to two Melbourne Cups,” Noonan said.
“Absolute champion of a bloke, and I’d love to send him all my love.”
Noonan said Herbert Park would likely head back to Caulfield in three weeks for a similar contest, where she will step out as a mare for the first time.
