A special win in an emotional week for Purdon

It was a special moment that young harness racing trainer Nathan Purdon will remember for a long time to come.

His sixth Group 1 winner in his succinct career thanks to his talented mare Spellbound taking out the $100,000 Ladyship Cup at Melton tonight.

It was a mix of emotions for the 26-year-old Kiwi native, after the loss of his Grandad and patriarch of the Purdon family, Roy Purdon, earlier this week.

“This mare has been special to me, she was the first winner we had when we got here (Australia) and to have Granddad looking down on us tonight is real special,” said an emotional Purdon.

“He was a legendary trainer and a better Granddad, a great mentor and just a champion person.”

The late Roy Purdon would often offer advice to his grandson who decided to make the move from New Zealand to Australia last year.

Spellbound had won two Group races in Australia for Purdon prior to tonight’s effort.

The five-year-old Art Major mare led throughout from barrier one and demolished her rivals winning by more than 11m in a mile rate of 1:51.6 with Stuart McDonald in the sulky.

She now boats a record of 14 wins in 45 starts and earnings of $348,157.

To view the results from Melton on Saturday night click here.

By Amanda Rando for Harnesslink