WAGGA trainer Dave Heywood and Albury counterpart Brett Cavanough were left to ponder what could have been after going agonisingly close to a Town Plate win on Thursday.
Heywood could see his long-awaited first Town Plate victory in front of his eyes when Calke Abbey kicked clear in the home straight and it took them until the final bounds to run him down.
Cavanough thought he may have won his first Plate when Loved Up charged home to finish second.
The official margins were a nose by a head.
Heywood was critical of the handicapping in the lead up and while further frustrated after going so close, he was proud of Calke Abbey's performance.
“I'm absolutely rapt with his run,” Heywood said.
“It was a shock of all shocks to see him leading because he has never led before but Kathy said he just began so well.”
Cavanough was filthy he had so close but missed.
“She’s a good filly,” he said.
“I think she'll go to Scone now.”
