3 minute read

Allan celebrates double; Big bonus possible in Cole’s comeback;

Allan celebrates double

Former Levin jockey Tony Allan has capped off placings with a double in Queensland.

Allan has been making the most of all opportunities since arriving in Queensland a few weeks ago, some times riding at two meetings in a day.

He made the trip from his Deagon base to Toowoomba on Saturday night and was successful on the favourite Wall Street Tycoon in the first event, then ended the six-race meeting with victory in the last race on the second favourite Aladina, a five-year-old daughter of Darci Brahma and Pavan who formerly raced in New Zealand for her breeder, Sir Peter Vela, when picking up a few placings.

"I was happy to ride a double from four rides," Allan said. "I'm enjoying it over here."

Allan was particularly pleased to win on Aladina as he had a long and successful association with Sir Peter before his retirement in 2005.

Big bonus possible in Cole's comeback

After two years away from race riding, Reece Cole was back in the winner's circle at Ellerslie on Saturday possibly opening the door for a bigger assignment on the track in a fortnight.

Cole signalled his comeback with a decisive seven-length win on Magic Cannon, who broke through for his first victory over fences for trainer Mark Brosnan.

Straight after the race Brosnan was considering taking a big step with Magic Cannon and lining him up in the Boutique Body Corporates Great Northern Hurdle (4190m).

"He can stay and he likes heavy ground," Brosnan said. "We might have a look at the Northern. He's very fit."

Cole believes Magic Cannon could be a "sneaky one" in the Great Northern Hurdle. "He feels like he will stay all day," he said.

A constant battle with his weight resulted in Cole giving up riding in August 2017 and during his time away from race riding he kept busy breaking-in and pre-training horses for Karen Fursdon, Mark Lupton and Jason Price.

"Hard work has got me here this year," he said. "I've also got to thank Bob and Toby (Autridge) and Wayne and Nessie Hillis. Wayne reckons that schooling lesson he gave me worked.

"It's good to get back and especially to win at headquarters. I've got my weight down and I know there's only a little bit left in the (jumps) season, but I wanted to see if I'm hungry and it's worked."