Hooked wraps up Patinack Farm with win in Cameron Handicap

Nathan’s Tinkler’s Patinack Farm’s roller coaster ride was wrapped up in fine style today at Newcastle when Hooked led all of the way to take out the Group 3 $150,000 Strathayr Cameron Handicap (1500m).

Hooked wins the Cameron Handicap at Newcastle as the last runner for Nathan Tinkler's Patinack Farm.

Hooked wins the Cameron Handicap at Newcastle as the last runner for Nathan Tinkler's Patinack Farm. Photo by Steve Hart.

Winning jockey Blake Shinn was handed an easy lead on the well supported Hooked ($3.60 favourite) and took full advantage of the slow middle sectionals to race away in the straight to score a one and a half lengths win over Rugged Cross ($13) with Mighty Lucky a further half a length away in third spot.

Hooked will join the rest of the Patinack Farm team which will be put through the sale ring at the Gold Coast Magic Millions complex on September 28 to wind up Tinkler’s racing interest in Australia.

Winning trainer John Thompson was happy for the win but also sad to see his stable dispersed after having so much success in his time as head trainer for Patinack Farm.

“That’s our last runner, that’s Patinack all done and dusted,” Thompson said.

“A bumpy road. When I started, Richie said just ride the waves, it’s been up and down.”

“I won my first race here for him, plus this one.”

Hooked was having his third run back from a spell and was well supported in the bookie’s ring coming off a last start seventh to Lucia Valentina in the Group 2 $175,000 Tattersalls Club Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on September 6.

“He’s been well deserved, he’s been knocking on the door with some very good races,” Thompson said.

“I was surprised that he was in front today but probably didn’t give him something to run past, might be his go in the future, I’m not sure.”

“He’s a nice horse going forward, he’s raced at the top level all of his career, he’s been around the money. Hopefully goes on to bigger and better things whoever buys him.”

Today’s win was the fourth for Hooked and with the $90,000 winning cheque took his prizemoney to well over a half a million dollars.

Shinn was glad that he could steer Hooked to a well-deserved win for Thompson but on the other hand was sad that the royal blue, green and gold colours with the Patinack Farm logo won’t be  seen at the race track any more.

“It’s the last time and I’ve had a fair bit of success in them and it’s great to go out on a winning note,” Shinn said.

“It was a great win. It was great to get a win on the board, it was well-deserved especially he is going through a sale at the end of this month and it’s great for John Thompson to get one on the board with him, he deserved it as well.”

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.