Coshking Hibberd’s Australian debut ride

Press, 1 April 1989, Page 36

Coshking Hibberd’s Australian debut ride

NZPA-AAP SydneyBrian Hibberd will have his first Australian ride on the New Zealand galloper. Coshking, in the sAustsoo,ooo Sydney Cup (3200 m at Randwick today.

Hibberd, a senior jockey who rides primarily in the Central Districts of the North Island, is the regular rider of the six year-old stayer. Coshking scored a good one-and-a-half-length victory in the prestigious Chalmers Handicap (2400 m at Wellington in his last start on March 11. But bookmakers are prepared to take a chance with the gelding and have him easy in the betting at 33-1.

Zamakima and the Victorian Apollo Run are 6-1 equal favourites with Round The World, Concordance, Just Trish and Power Of Destiny 8-1 in an open betting race.

The New Zealand trainer Howie Mathews described Coshking as a dour stayer. “He’s not flash but will not give up," said Mathews, who brought the New Zealand stayers, Big Gamble and Bourbon Boy, to Australia in previous trips.

“Coshking ran the 2400 m of the Chalmers Handicap faster than the A.J.C. Derby and A.J.C. Oaks were run.”

The Sydney Cup could be run to suit Coshking with former Melbourne Cup placegetter Rising Fast sure to set a fast pace out in front. Coshking has won seven of his 52 starts and Mathews is not worried whether the track is wet or dry. Last year’s Sydney Cup winner. Banderol, came to Australia with the Chalmers Handicap under his belt and skittled a top Tield.