3 minute read

It was an eventful eight-race card in Devonport on Sunday afternoon, with most races featuring apprentice riders only.

Thomas Doyle landed a pick-up ride in the opening race of the day on Rising Light ($2 fav) and produced a good front running display on the Gaeton Delon-trained four-year-old gelding.

It was Doyle's first winner for the season, taking full advantage of the opportunity to ride a race favourite, something that also occurred for Dianne Parish aboard Rockymountainhigh in the Kevin Sharkie Maiden (1350m).

Originally the third emergency, punters warmed to the Scott Brunton-trained mare ($2.80 fav) when it became clear that she was assured a start in the race.

Driven to the early lead by Parish, Rockymountainhigh had to stave off a wall of challengers late, the busiest finish of the day seeing just 0.4 lengths separate the first four horses across the line.

The feel good moment of the afternoon undoubtedly arrived in the Fight Mnd Benchmark 60 Hcp when Tayah Stalker made a winning start to her riding career aboard Trojan Storm ($5) for her master Cameron Thompson.

Having finished second at his previous six starts entering Sunday's assignment, few horses in Tasmania deserved a win more than the eight-year-old gelding and the cheers bellowing around the track as the horse crossed the line said everything about how much this win meant to all involved.

Stalker was one of two apprentices making their riding debut on Sunday, Taylor Johnstone also making an encouraging start with a third place finish on $8 chance Gee Gees Buzz in the second race of the day.

Riding honours were shared by Codi Jordan and Erica Byrne Burke who each rode doubles, Byrne Burke extending her Premiership lead to six.