WHEN the Adam Trinder-trained Flame of Hope dumped the rider, Ismail Toker, on the way to the barrier before the start of a maiden over 1200m in Launceston last Wednesday night, punters were holding their breath.
Flame of Hope was the best-backed runner on the eight-event card and was a clear favourite so when the horse casually strolled back to the unsaddling enclosure Trinder took the lead rope and escorted the gelding to the barriers.
Those who invested in the gelded son of Torch Relay were pleased he made it to the start because he delivered a bold front-running display to score impressively.
“He is a highly strung horse but he is getting better all the time,” Trinder said.
“Even though he has just won over 1200 metres I am confident he will be even better over more ground so we will progress him gradually and if I’m right he will win races,” he said.