The versatile Pencarrow Racing galloper Mahanadi (Tiger Hill x Bargibant) scored the eighth win of his career with victory in the $40,000 NZI Great Autumn Handicap (2500m) at Riccarton on Saturday.

Trained by Kevin Myers, the Tiger Hill gelding won three races over hurdles last season including the prestigious Grand National Hurdles at Riccarton. Showing a liking for the track, he also finished fourth in the Group 3 New Zealand Cup.

Rider Terry Mosely had Mahanadi travelling comfortably in the middle of the small six-horse field and strode to the front at the top of the straight. Relishing the Heavy 11 track conditions, Mahanadi fought off the challenge of Regalo Reaal (Ekraar) to win by a long head.

“I’ve ridden him a couple of times and ran fourth on him in the New Zealand Cup so it was nice to get the win today,” commented Mosely.

“We were going well all the way although it got pretty close towards the end as Regalo Reaal just wouldn’t go away.

“I was confident, though, as I was on a Myers horse and you always know they will be fit and ready.”

Saturday’s win was the fifth flat win for the six-year-old along with three hurdle victories from 22 starts.

Bred by Sir Peter and Philip Vela, Mahanadi is out of Bargibant (Sir Tristram), a three-quarter-sister to Group 1 winner Fair Sir (Sir Tristram). He is the half-brother to Group 2 Western Australian winner Free at Last (Senor Pete) and Listed two-year-old placegetter Kingdom Reigns (Ron’s Victory). Mahanadi was Bargibant’s last foal.