Amber stamped her mark today in the biggest win of her career racing in an 1800m 0-90 handicap at Ascot. She jumped at $12 and we landed the chocolates in a memorable day where three of the owners were on track. Monique and I had just flown in from Paris, and Jeanette had just driven down from Geraldton. Hans was up in Norway with his family for the Christmas break.
The family was in strong support with Suzanne, John, Kate, and Janine all track side to witness the win. Gavin and Lia watched the race on the way to the hospital, where Lia is due to give birth tomorrow! David jumped into a TAB on his way back from work, but Helen and Raelene could not see it live.
"It doesn't get any better than that" was the call of Mum as Roy brought Amber back to the winners circle. I was lost for words as the long standing voodoo was broken. I witnessed my first live winner. Putting win 37 on the board after a long partnership with Dad and Clive, I had never seen one of those winners live. The spell was broken today and all lingering doubts have been cast aside about feeling the thrill of a live winner.
The lads of PTT were on track with us today in Chris, Della, Craig, Matt, and Neil. Pity Geoff could not make it up. They joined us in the winners circle where we drank champagne and watched the replay of the great win. I'll never forget that feeling as she crossed the line. I looked around and saw the joy bursting out of everyone. Clive too. We'd laid plans these plans with dad before he passed away and it touched us all.
All credit for this win goes to the astute Clive and a masterful ride again by Roy. Clive had her in picture perfect condition on track. Looking a million dollars, Roy said she felt strong underneath him as he jumped on in the mounting yard. The lead up to this race was beautifully planned and executed and Clive is such a master at his trade that you know you've got the best possible chance when he brings them to the city. She had 3 races and a trial under her in Geraldton, and we knew she had the toughness to handle a city race.
Roy jumped her from barrier 2 and had her perfectly positioned from the start, taking up a spot one out from the fence. Roy made his move just before the corner moving 3 wide, and Amber sprinted over the top of Royal Cobra who had led them up. She rounded the corner in front and then dug deep to hold out the fast finishing challengers. It really was a great ride by Roy, who kept her off the fence
in the moving lane. When she railed around the corner, my heart must have doubled its rate to keep up with the adrenalin burst I was experiencing. What a rush!Of course all thoughts went quickly to Dad as i walked down to the mounting yard. I recalled all those times when at this stage, Dad would be taking my in-coming phone call as we landed another winner. I think Mum and Clive felt that emotion again too. I know that Dad was close by to us all again today, and felt his presence strong. He would have been tickled pink by this win I am sure.
We think Amber has proven she has the class to contest the upcoming La Trice Classic over 1800m on New Years day at Ascot. Whatever happens then, today will always reign as the day the voodoo was broken and I saw that first win. I was happy to share the victory with Monique and Mum.
Watch below the great win, and thanks to PTT for the pics and for the article on the win here.
Late Mail : Gavin and Lia had a baby girl, Madison!
