Willo Calls On Holland’s Spirit
Story by Tim Yeatman from Racing.com
Craig Williams says the spirit of Dean Holland lifted his mount Way Up High over the line in the fourth race at Sandown on Wednesday.
Clearly headed by race favourite Into You in the dash home, Williams called on Holland from above for assistance and the mare dug deep in response to fight back and win.
“Pre-race Dan O’Sullivan said that this was Dean Holland’s last winner before we lost him, so he said it’d be nice if you could win and make a mention,” Williams said post-race.
“I actually did call on Dean to help out, and she was really good and determined and must’ve heard my prayers.”
Holland rode Way Up High to her maiden win at Ararat in April last year, just days before his tragic passing in a race fall at Donald.
Way Up High ridden by Zac Spain wins the Sportsbet Photo Finish Refund Handicap at Sportsbet Sandown Hillside Racecourse on May 25, 2024 in Springvale, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos)
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