PROMISING middle distance galloper Apache Son will leave Tasmania on a winning note after storming home from last to win the a Benchmark 68 handicap over 1650 metres at Spreyton on Tuesday.
Apache Son showed no early speed to settle at the rear of the field of 11 but when rider Yassy Nishitani called on the flashy chestnut with a big white blaze to extend 500m from home he powered home to score from Gee Gee’s Boss and Reach The Moon.
The gelding’s trainer Vicki Rhind was thrilled with the effort but announced after the win that it was the horse’s last run in Tasmania.
It was Apache Son’s 12th start for Rhind but she explained his owner and stalwart stable client Graeme Gathercole had decided to take the six-year-old back home.
“Graeme (Gathercole) has set up a multi-million-dollar training property at Mornington and wants to have all of his horses based there and we can’t match those facilities here at Spreyton,” Rhind said.
“I’m sure he will be a handy stayer.”
“Up until now, he’s been a bit weak but give him another year and he will be very good,” she said.
Rhind also lost talented sprinter Bel Price that has been back with Gathercole for a few months.
Photo courtesy of Greg Mansfield.