The Geraldton Cup....a crying matter

This was a very tough pill to swallow. We knew we blew this race. We got out ridden and walked away with that big knot twisting inside us.

Everything was set for a big race. Amber had worked beautifully. She was in top shape, coming off the tough La Trice. We had drawn perfectly. We instructed Roy to go forward in front of the favourite (Friar's Touch) and then take the race from there. If she jumped poorly, we would drop behind him and go earlier to put her in the race.

She jumped beautifully, and unfortunately roy then dropped her back behind Friar's Touch. Heading around the back she was still positioned perfectly to be able to win....then disaster struck.

Shaun O'Donnel on board Solar Impact took off early and locked Amber on his inside. This was exactly the same tactic we had employed the year before with Tapdog. We were crying coming around the bend. It was clear Amber was full of running but had no where to go. She got out late and came home strongly into 4th place just a length away.

We were bitterly disappointed. Enough said.

Results here

There was many moments of fun during the day though. I managed to meet up for the first time with Geoff Whittle who is a regular writer for the popular Perth Turf Talk. Geoff and I shared the day together, a few laughs, couple of beers and departed with warm spirits. Geoff also snapped a couple of pics and here is one with the family and the first jockey of Tapdog, Chris Usher. Chris ride the dog to his first Geraldton cup victory as a 4yo.

I also got to meet up with big Tim Gossage who hosts the Racing Radio program. Tim delighted the crowd through the day with his colourful commentary.

The La Trice Classic listed race for fillies and mares on New Years Day

This was the race that we'd hoped Amber would qualify for and put in a good show. After the exciting win on Dec 19th over 1800m, we went into the race knowing that she was racing very well, but also aware that the competition was "hot".

We drew well in barrier 6, and decided to press forward again and have her just off the pace. That is exactly how Roy did it, and boy did they run it at a good clip. Coming to the corner it was clear she had done too much work staying in touch with the pace, and the very smart Russian Playmate from the Durant stable came home with a blistering run to win from Danecay who had done all the work out in front.

We had a big family day out in the heat of Ascot on cup day. No chocolates, but we thoroughly enjoyed it all.

Results here