Red Dragon roars late to reward Hornby's perseverance

Red Dragon joined the growing list of unlikely winners when working Rob Hornby overtime before coming good in the nick of time in the mile handicap.

"My legs are still burning!" said Hornby after pushing away as soon as the stalls opened on the Michael Blanshard-trained seven-year-old, who was winning for the first time in four years and 29 races.

"Michael was spot on when he told me he needs a strongly-run mile and doesn't quite get a mile and a quarter. Conditions suited him today and he showed a good attitude in the finish."