GIANT KILLER GREEN LEAVES FAVORITE PUNTERS IN THE RED

TUESDAY: October 26, 2021: THEY’LL be calling him Giant Killer Green!

Global giant Godolphin had the shortest-priced favorite in many a year at Hawkesbury today, but local trainer Peter Green’s $3000 cheapie Butch ‘N’ Bugs knocked over the $1.18 hotpot.

A $26 roughie, Butch ‘N’ Bugs, ridden by talented apprentice Brock Ryan, overpowered Depiction in the closing stages of the Irresistible Pools & Spas Benchmark 64 Handicap (1300m).

In the process, the experienced Hawkesbury horseman notched his opening winner of the new season and his 14th since setting up shop at the provincial track five years ago.

Another Hawkesbury roughie, Garry Frazer’s $91 chance Hendo’s Magic, wasn’t far off causing an even bigger upset, charging into third placing.

Green, who trained and drove standardbreds and also worked as a harness racing steward, was understandably thrilled to turn around the stable’s fortunes – and thanked fellow Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup (who won last Saturday’s inaugural running of the $2m The Invitation with Icebath) for his help in getting Butch ‘N’ Bugs back in racing fettle.

“Butch ‘N’ Bugs ran fourth at Goulburn (beaten eight lengths) earlier in the month, and Grant Buckley (his jockey) came back and said he didn’t feel right,” Green said this evening.

“I went right over him and he felt tight, so I rang Brad and asked if I could use his equine pool, and he kindly agreed.

“We swam Butch ‘N’ Bugs for a week, and didn’t put a saddle on him.

“That freshened him up and, whilst you can never say you are confident about beating such a short-priced favorite, I expected him to run a handy race.

“He races well on his home track (today’s win and two placings from four starts).

“It was great to see him win again and change our luck. He has been a super horse for us.”

Green and his brother and racing manager Clint bought Butch ‘N’ Bugs, a now five-year-old son of Sidestep, for only $3000 at the 2018 Inglis Scone yearling sale.

He has now earned nearly $90,000 from two wins and eight placings – and is a favorite of the stable for another reason.

The gelding was named after the Green brothers – Peter’s nickname is Bugs and Clint’s is Butch.

Green accepted with Butch “N’ Bugs in two races, but swerved the XXXX Gold Class 1 Handicap (1300m) for the Benchmark 64 over the same distance when he was the sole emergency and secured a run.

Brock Ryan is no stranger to causing upsets at Hawkesbury either. He won on $201 rank outsider Dragon’s Shadow for another Hawkesbury trainer Karen Outtrim in August, 2017.

. The day didn’t end well for the mature age apprentice, unfortunately. RacingNSW stewards suspended him on an alleged careless riding charge arising from his ride on his recent Hawkesbury winner Borsalina in the Class 1 Handicap (1300m).

His suspension begins on November 3 and he will be eligible to return on November 11.