IT has taken Chipofftheoldblock two seasons and four preparations to finally break his maiden status but the wait has been worthwhile for North-West Coast trainer Damien Whelan.
Chipofftheoldblock delivered the goods at Tapeta Park Spreyton yesterday with a resounding win in the Ausworld Maiden Plate over 1150 metres, scoring by almost two lengths from outsider O’Nory with Sand Or Stars two lengths away third.
The gelding showed great courage as he was never better than three-wide and had to change course in the home straight when the leader O’Nory ran off the track on the home turn.
It was the four-year-old gelding’s fourth outing this preparation and he delivered on the eye-eye-catching second at his previous start.
Whelan paid about $6000 for the horse at the 2009 Tasmanian Magic Millions Yearling Sale and he showed great promise in his first season as a two-year-old placing twice and he finished fourth in the $50,000 Sires Produce at the end of his first preparation.
Whelan explained why it has taken so long for Chipofftheoldblock to win his maiden
“He had a virus and he just couldn’t get over it and, at the same time, he had a couple of leg issues,” Whelan said.
Chipofftheoldblock was sent to the spelling paddock in June last year but after just one run upon resumption he was again dispatched to the paddock.
He resumed again in January and he has progressed with each run.
“His form has been really good this time in.”
“I put it down to him doing a lot of swimming at the beach,” he said.
The gelding is raced on lease by the trainer’s wife Janelle and his father Denis Whelan assists with the training.
Chipofftheoldblock was ridden by Talia Rodder who was instructed to keep the gelding in the clear and wide if possible and she carried the instructions out to the letter.
It was the first leg of a winning double for Rodder who also won aboard the Leon Wells-trained Merits Respect.