Success on Nowra Cup day has become a common occurrence for the Price stable, but Sunday’s feature victory by Curata Princess will undoubtedly hold added significance for the Kembla trainers.
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While Robert Price had already won the Cup on four occasions before the weekend, Curata Princess’ triumph gave co-trainer Luke his first victory at his home track.
Rob’s most recent win came with Too Hi Tek in 2015 before he officially started in a training partnership with his son at the end of 2016.
The pair now operate stables at both Nowra and Kembla Grange.
Luke oversees the Kembla stable, but continues to hold a strong connection to the Archer Racecourse.
“It is pretty special to win the home town Cup, especially when you do a lot of work here,” Luke Price told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
“They put the prize money into the race and it was good to see the Waterhouse-Bott stable, and the bigger stables down here as well.
“[Dad and I] have got a good working relationship which we have always had and we switch and change horses all the time.
“This mare has certainly thrived at Kembla Grange. She hasn’t seen too much of Nowra but she certainly races well here that’s for sure.”
Curata Princess nailed Jason Coyle’s Weekend Affair in her last stride to win the Cup. Jockey Jeff Penza soared down the outside fence, timing his run to perfection to give provide Curata Princess with the biggest win of her career.
“She is the most improved mare in the stable really,” Price said post-race.
“I said that to Jeff [Penza] when he got on it and he found the right track [on Sunday] and was able to get the result.
“I think she is looking for 10 furlongs. I have been doing nothing on the track to keep her set for this race and Jeff really summed it up early. They rolled along at an even tempo. I don’t think Gai [Waterhouse’s] horse went too quick in front but her sectionals late are really good.
“I am really happy with her.”
Meanwhile, the Archer Racecourse is set to enjoy a major upgrade to the dining and viewing areas on track after receiving $520,000 in funding from the NSW Government.
The club will receive the funding as part of the Liquor & Gaming NSW’s ClubGRANTS Infrastructure Grants program.
Shoalhaven City Turf Club chief executive Lynn Locke was excited by the upgrade.
“The extension to our dining room is such a fantastic addition to our facilities and is something we would not have been able to achieve had we not received the ClubGrants Infrastructure Grant,” she said.
