ASTUTE trainer LaurieHills has not been in the best of health for some time so the win of Tiza Gold in the Easter Cup final in Hobart last night (Thursday) was a welcome tonic for the talented mentor.
Tiza Gold showed brilliant early speed to lead from box one and despite being challenged strongly by the favourite Nicholas Jack, Hills’ little light fawn bitch kept finding under pressure and hit the line a half-length clear of Nicholas Jack with Franklin Bluboy over two lengths away third.
Tiza Gold has been a revelation since she arrived in Hills’ kennel and the Easter Cup win was icing on the cake according to Hills.
“When I first bought Tiza Gold I thought she would be capable of winning a couple races and that she would probably pay for herself but I never expected her to do what she’s done,” Hills said.
Tiza Gold (Where’s Pedro-Tiza Moment) has won seven times and notched three minor placings from 16 starts for Hills.
“Winning the Easter Cup is fantastic because I am just about to retire from training with next Thursday night’s meeting in Hobart or the following Monday in Launceston to be my last meeting as a trainer.”
“My first winner as a trainer was with Super Dux in an Easter Plate so winning at Easter Cup right near the end of my training career is a fitting result,” he said.
Hills purchased Tiza Gold in November last year from an advertisement but the bitch was already in Tasmania at the time being trained by Robin Stocks.
“She won one for Robin (Stocks) in Launceston going 30.01 (515m) and it was after that run that she was advertised for sale so I responded to the add,” he said.
Tiza Gold began her career in country Victoria where she won at Shepparton and Benalla as well as multiple placings on country tracks.
She was sent to Stocks after she placed fourth twice at The Meadows and after three minor placings in Tasmania she broke through in Launceston defeating Josh Pines.
“I couldn’t be more pleased with what this little bitch has done for us,” Hills said.
For the past couple of years Hills has been battling Motor Neurone Disease and it is at a stage where he is forced to retire from training.
Hills has proven to be a talented trainer over the years and it would be great if one of his charges can send him out of the training r6anks on a winning note.