Horse Racing

LIBERTY RISING

Liberty Rise, never closer than three from the rails came from last early to claim the EBM Insurance Handicap (1600m) at Ascot yesterday.

From the outside barrier senior jockey Troy Turner went back to last with the filly but moved forward to seventh at the 1100m mark when the pace was a dawdle.

On the home turn, Turner was fourth and continued to press forward then fought off Rodeo Drive (Paul Harvey) with Fathing Fast, ridden by the winning  jockey‘s son, Jordan, third.

In victory, Liberty Rise turned the tables on Rodeo Drive as she had finished sixth behind that galloper at their previous clash on February 25.

“She had no luck on that occasion, being caught on the inside, which she hates,” trainer Colin Webster said.

Liberty Rise started favourite for this race on the strength of a good second at Pinjarra on February 11, coming back from a spell.

Trainer Colin Webster said her victory was a nice win. “It was gutsy because she covered extra ground. However, Troy did the right thing to move forward when he did to be with them on the turn.”

Webster said the Turners, father and son, seemed to be spurring each other on as both have been in fine touch in the saddle in recent weeks.

Another apprentice impressing is Jake Casey who landed Essayez a narrow winner, for trainer Martin Allan in the first race. Only a short head separated the winner from Amourio (Craig Staples) in the Caroma Plate (1000m). Glitterbell (Jordan Turner) was third.

However, Casey said he always thought he had the second horse covered, “even though she did not move away as much as I expected.”

Casey attributed his recent good form to getting to the track earlier and gaining more rides. “Riding for Neville Parnham has helped,” the apprentice said.