A horse named after a lane one of its owners’ Mum used to walk through on her way home from the beach won the Southern Country Championships Wildcard qualifier race at Goulburn on Sunday.
Ticklebelly (nee Ticklebelly Lane) now finds itself residing in the $1m Evergreen Turf Country Championships Final in a fortnight’s time.
The result affirmed the horsemanship skills of Goulburn trainer Scott Collings whilst Ticklebelly confirmed his iron horse status having now notched six wins and another five placings from 15 starts.
Speaking after the race an emotional Collings thanked the Goulburn Race Club community for its support as the result sunk in for the word shy but not win shy trainer.
The horse was ridden with flair by Pierre Boudvillain, taking advantage of an all options draw to have his mount prominent early.
Horse and rider held their nerve thereafter finding clear air at the top of the straight before prevailing in a driving three-way finish.
Goulburn Race Club CEO Robyn Fife believes it’s a deserving result.
“Scotty’s win on Sunday is proof for all of us that perseverance, no matter the circumstances in life, will always get you results”, Ms Fife said.
“Congratulations to both Scott’s team and the Doyle family, owners of Ticklebelly and long time supporters of Goulburn Race Club! We wish them all the best for their Grand Final on Day 1 of the Championships at Royal Randwick.”
The day’s other feature also went the way of the locals with The Right Rein (Pat Murphy) digging deep to win the Fred Cooper Cup just ahead of stablemate Victory Roll. Jeff Penza’s experience proving crucial in another keenly fought three horse finish.
Goulburn Soldiers Club & Goulburn Australia are proud supporters of Goulburn & District Racing Club.
