Kickatinalong impressed us all at Te Rapa on Saturday when he was able to win his first race at just his sixth ever trip to the races.
Having raced without a great deal of luck at each of his first five starts, things went his way in a race for the first time for a change, and courtesy of a peach of a ride by top jockey Leith Innes, he was able to settle nicely and get home just as we like-faster than the rest-at the end of the 1400m journey. Although the margin was only a half length or so, there was a big wrap on the second horse, and the manner of his win, and knowing that there’s plenty of natural improvement in him, had his trainer, jockey and owners dreaming of better things ahead!
Mention must be made of the wonderful post race hospitality offered to us by the race club and their committee. The speeches went on for quite a while (guess who?), and the drinks flowed very freely! The photo is of some of the owners who were on course with trainer Graeme Rogerson.
All being well, Kickatinalong may return to Te Rapa as soon as this coming weekend for another race at his home track.
Peter Morley