Celebrations come in many forms.
Some scream the grandstand down (not mentioning anyone Katrina Fitzpatrick), others hit the pub, and then there are those who subscribe to the ‘winner, winner, chicken dinner’ philosophy.
Leilani Justice, however, adopted a more subdued, but highly-tasty reward for registering a double in Charlton yesterday.
Heading home after fulfilling her commitments, Justice grabbed some ‘supplies’ from the local servo – milk and an ice-cream!
“It’s just over a two-and-a-half hour trip home, so we stopped at the servo for supplies,” Justice said. “A nice chocolate milk and a Gaytime filled the spot.
“It is about five-and-a-half hours for the round trip, but it makes it worth it when you get a win and even more so with a double.
“A double and some good snacks made it feel a lot shorter on the way home.”
Partnering Hurricane Hooly in the opening event, Justice settled the mare behind the leader, Loan Sailor, from barrier two.
Angled into the passing lane along the home straight, Hurricane Hooly reached the front in the last stride to score by a half-head from the frontrunner.
Major Roy was two metres away third.
“I wasn’t all that confident just after the start as I would’ve been happier if she led as she does prefer to be in that role,” Justice said. “But turning for home, the one in the ‘death’ started to fade and she was still sitting well.
“Even after we crossed the line, I wasn’t sure if she got there, but she did, which was great.”
Trained by Justice’s mother Dianne Giles, Hurricane Hooly rated 1:57.6 over 1800 metres.
“The team which owns her has had to stick with her as she has tested everyone’s patience a few times,” Justice said.
Giles and Justice then joined forces to score with Freak Out which led from barrier six before accounting for Camnat and My Darling Devine in 1:59.8 over 2100 metres.
“That race was very suitable for him and that showed,” Justice said. “He always goes well when he drops back down into that class.
“He’s been going well without luck or the right run, but it worked out for him yesterday.”
Recently reaching a milestone with her win behind Noble Count in Maryborough, Justice jokingly stated she will target the country venue the next time a personal record is within reach.
“Noble Count was my 50th win and I didn’t even know until Mum pointed it out the next day,” Justice said. “As it turns out all my milestone wins such as first winner, outdriving my claim and 50th have been at Maryborough.
“When I’m looking for my 100th I’ll have to make sure I race in Maryborough!”
