HOBART-BASED jockey David Pires spent about nine months sidelined through injury last year but he has bounced back with a vengeance this season.
Pires suffered injuries to both hands when he was dumped from a horse while heading to the barriers in Hobart last May.
Complications with surgical procedures led to a lengthy stint on the sidelines.
In Launceston today he celebrated his 31st birthday in style with an early double courtesy of wins aboard talented two-year-old Miter John and the John Luttrell-trained Gee Gees Cashcard.
It was his victory aboard Gee Gees Cashcard that pleased most, especially for those who snared the grey gelding at the lucrative odds of $23.90.
Gee Gees Cashcard was having his second run back from a spell but it was a gear change that turned a first-up flop into a brilliant win.
“We thought he could win first-up in Hobart last Sunday but he must have got his tongue over the bit so I suggested to John that he put a tongue tie on and it did the trick,” Pires said.
It as an impressive win as he was always travelling sweetly for Pires to the home turn where he dashed five lengths clear and still held a convincing margin over the well-backed favourite Westering Home and Abasova.
Listen to what jockey David Pires had to say about Gee Gees Cashcard’s win – click here .