FINDING the right races is the key to success for most horses and for mother and son training combination of Leanne and Clinton Gaffney such was the case for their handy galloper Peace Keeper at the UBET Racing centre in Launceston last Wednesday night.
With in-form apprentice Boris Thornton in then saddle, Peace Keeper delivered a workmanlike performance to score an impressive win in a string maiden/class one over 1600 metres.
The lightly raced five-year-old was having only his ninth start but it was his most impressive effort this time in.
Thornton gave him the run of the race just off the speed with cover and when he eased the gelding out to make his charge he responded well and went on to score almost 1-1/2 lengths from Leigh John with three-year-old Strathalbyn a closing third.
Clinton Gaffney said the horse had not been the easiest to train but that perseverance and patience will pay dividends in the long run.
Peace Keeper has two wins and four minor placings from his nine starts for almost $30,000 in stakes.