Jockey Reece Jones received an unwelcome race morning call, but his dedication to shedding weight for a last-minute ride has paid off, with Lighthouse Lass overcoming a slow start to secure her second career win.
Jones, who had five rides at Rosehill booked, the lightest being 52.5kg, was contacted by trainer Will Freedman late on Saturday morning. He was asked if he would take the ride on Lighthouse Lass at 52kg after the first emergency secured a start in the Kia Ora Bloodlines to Headlines Handicap (1100m).
Accepting the challenge, Jones then swiftly worked to shed the required half-kilo.
“It was a little bit late notice, but the advantages of being four-feet tall,” Jones quipped. “It definitely helps. I had to get the weight off this morning, and I’m glad I did now.”
Lighthouse Lass had not tasted victory since her debut win at Scone in January of the previous year. However, she had managed five placings in her eight starts since joining Richard and Will Freedman in February.
Will Freedman expressed his delight at her breakthrough win, noting she had earned a change of luck.
“She’s had her fair share of bad luck,” Freedman said. “The one thing that really benefitted her today was missing the kick and having a bit of room to build into it. She’s not that tractable when things don’t go her way. They did go her way today, and she was always going to be strong late because she’s come back in distance.”
In the Irresistible Pools and Spas Handicap (1400m), the improving Chris Waller-trained four-year-old Tarzing recorded his third win from five starts. This victory marked a successful weekend for Phil Gould, General Manager of Football for the Canterbury Bulldogs, and club Chairman Adam Driussi, who are part-owners of Tarzing. The win followed the Bulldogs’ triumph over the Gold Coast Titans on Friday night.
Waller’s assistant trainer, Darren Beadman, believes Tarzing has the potential to continue his ascent through the racing ranks.
“He really hasn’t put a foot wrong. His form was good in Melbourne, and he came up here in good order,” Beadman said. “It was a nice win and he’s going through his grades nicely.”
For those interested in the upcoming races, the current racing odds can be found at Australian betting sites.