Trainer Anthony Smith celebrated his second win of the season when his charge Bushfire took the honours in the opening race on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

The race was a Restricted Allowance IV contest for native-bred four-year-olds and upward (non-winners of three) and imported four-year-olds and upward (non-winners of two) over 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m).

Bushfire, ridden by Dick Cardenas, won by a neck ahead of Abreathoffreshair (Demar Williams) in a time of 1:08.3 (24.1 x 49.0 x 1:01.4).

The horse made a strong start, hustling to the front and leading the pack into the half-mile mark (800m) ahead of Tiffany Blu (Youville Pinnock) and Abreathoffreshair. As the field entered the final stretch, Abreathoffreshair mounted a fierce challenge, but Cardenas skilfully navigated Bushfire along the inside rails, keeping him balanced and poised for a comeback.

In the end, Bushfire dug deep and found an extra gear, crossing the finish line just in time to take the win. Abreathoffreshair gave it his all, but Bushfire’s determination paid off. Indestructible (Raddesh Roman) secured third place, rounding out the podium.

Bushfire is a four-year-old bay colt bred by Shackleford out of the Forest Danger mare Forest Flames.

— Ruddy Allen