ROCHESBEACH trainer Julie Richards celebrated one of her best days at the office for a couple of seasons when she landed a double at Tattersall’s Park in Hobart on Sunday.
Richards prepared first-starter Crafman to score an impressive win in the Qew Orchards Maiden Plate and her veteran sprinter-miler Relentless Pursuit gave his rivals a galloping lesson to take out the DJ Motors Nissan Benchmark 78 handicap over 1600 metres.
Crafman has been a work in progress for the entire Richards family. He is the result of a decision made about six years ago to send their mare Bonus Halo to Niello.
Crafman showed up in a recent trial after missing the start by three lengths but with a clean getaway on Sunday he was able to race close to the speed before taking control and then kicked clear in the straight to win comfortably from Hurricane Flyer and Song of Gold.
Later in the day Relentless Pursuit defied his age of nine years to show his rivals a clean pair of heels on his way to an impressive win over Keep the Cash and Skip to the Moon.
Both wins pleased punters with Crafman starting the warm favourite at $2.80 while Relentless Pursuit was heavily backed late to start $5 and equal second-elect with Hell Strong behind the easing favourite Keep the Cash ($2.80 out to $3.30).
After Relentless Pursuit’s win his connections declared the Devonport Cup as a possible target next month.
Listen to what co-owner Gary Richards had to say about Crafman’s win.