Bruce Tapper, the Timaru horseman, enjoyed a successful outing at Invercargill's Ascot Park Racecourse on Sunday when his horse Redford claimed victory in the Winton Cup (1400m).
Redford, ridden by Southern jockey Tina Comignaghi, made a strong move from the ace draw and comfortably settled midfield along the rail. Around the 700m mark, Comignaghi urged the son of Raise The Flag into action, and despite the challenging Heavy 8 track conditions, they entered the home straight four-wide.
The duo appeared to be in control of the feature event, but Kelvin Tyler-trained Go Lotte made a late charge, with Redford narrowly holding on for the win in a photo finish.
Tapper expressed his satisfaction with Redford's performance, stating, “The horse has been very well, and he's been a bit unlucky last start, and with Tina on, he had to be a good chance.”
Comignaghi, who had secured three runner-up positions earlier in the Invercargill meeting, has a strong partnership with the nine-year-old Redford, securing her third victory aboard Tapper's charge in his five career wins.
Regarding Redford's future plans, Tapper mentioned, “He's just been a bit unlucky in those top races, he's always thereabouts but never can win one of them, so that's why I decided to come down to Ascot Park today.”
As for upcoming races, Tapper is considering targeting the Open 1400m event on the final Saturday of the New Zealand Cup Week carnival at Riccarton Park.
Redford, bred by Tapper and his wife Karen, is the offspring of their four-win mare Ruby Red.
The gelding has now accumulated over $120,000 in prizemoney for the Timaru couple.