Saturday was a day to remember for Luke Berger Racing, as the team celebrated their first Group 3 victory following a thrilling win by It’sourtime in the Standish Handicap at Flemington. This remarkable achievement came just days after the gelding was astutely purchased by Luke Berger Racing in partnership with Danny Bourke Bloodstock.

“It’s not often you see an opportunity like this present itself, and when I ran the idea by Danny, we both agreed we needed to dig deeper,” said Luke Berger. “Once we did our due diligence, we knew we were on the money. We were delighted to be successful in the purchase, leading into the weekend. He’s been a terrific horse for breeder Steven Pitts and all of his ownership group, who believe there’s more fuel in the tank.”

Journalist Brad Waters described the win as follows -
The conditions at Flemington ensured that only the toughest horses would prevail in the $200,000 Group 3 Standish Handicap. A combination of heat and humidity made the final 200m of the race a true test of stamina and willpower. It was here that It’sourtime showed his class, powering through to win by a half head in a thrilling finish.

The seven-year-old gelding, who had previously won the Group 3 Aurie's Star Handicap in 2023, added another Group 3 victory to his resume, continuing his stellar form under the guidance of the Danny O’Brien stable.

Rider Billy Egan had nothing but praise for It’sourtime after the race. “He gave me such a good ride. He went to the leader, Joyful Fortune, like a winner, but in the last 50m, I had to dig deep because Aztec Ruler was coming on my outside,” Egan explained. “I thought, ‘Come on, you’ve got 20m to go, dig deep!’ But he responded enough to get over the line. It was in my hands, and I’m glad I didn’t screw it up.”

This victory is a testament to the vision, collaboration, and expertise of Luke Berger Racing and Danny Bourke Bloodstock. It also highlights the importance of seizing the right opportunities and having the confidence to act decisively.

Here's to many more victories and historic moments for Luke Berger Racing!