In Brief
- Riley Major pulls out all stops to win Golden Apple.
- Hillier thought Ryley Major was struggling turning for home.
- Champ did all the hard work but was still too good for rivals.
TOP class pacer Ryley Major had to call on all of his ability and courage to score a narrow win in the $30,000 McKillop Insurance Brokers Tassie Golden Apple in Launceston last night.
Sent around the $1.85 favourite, Ryley Major settled near last off his 30-metre handicap and trainer-driver Rohan Hillier waited until the bell lap to make his move.
Race leader Full Speed Ahead held sway to the home turn but when he started to wilt, a wall of horses emerged to battle out the finish with Ryley Major flashing down the outside to defeat Ideal World ($17) and Dasher Houli ($6).
The winner ran his last half in 56.91 to record what was arguably his best win this time in.
“I am very proud of the horse and this was a very satisfying win,” trainer-driver Rohan Hillier said.
“He’s had to do all the work, but he was still too good for them.
“At the top of the straight I thought we were struggling a bit because there were a few inside us going extra well, but at the 100m mark I thought we would win and then 50 metres out I was hoping we’d hang on.”
Ryley Major has been a revelation for Hillier with this his 23rd win from 33 starts and he’s also notched nine minor placings, but this was his first open class feature race win.
Hillier is still resisting the temptation to take the horse across the water for another Victorian campaign.
“We’ll stay at home for time being and head towards the Devonport Cup (in February).”
Watch Ryley Major win the 2019 Golden Apple in Launceston.