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Diamond Bay back in the game

3 minute read

Longford trainer David Keating celebrated his first win on his home track when outsider Diamond Bay ($23 into $16) scored an effortless all-the-way win in the Incitec Pivot Maiden over 1400m at Longford on Saturday.

Jockey : CODI JORDAN
Jockey : CODI JORDAN Picture: Tasracing.com.au

After being backed late in betting, the lightly raced four-year-old mare showed blistering speed from the gates and once settled by apprentice Codi Jordan, the daughter of War set a solid tempo and had her rivals off the bit when she straightened for the short run home.

Diamond Bay, owned and bred by Rhonda Hall, scored by over three lengths from the easing favourite Shammgod ($2.60 out to $3.20) with outsider Night Missile ($23) a close-up third.

The heavily backed favourite Louisville ($5 into $2.80) settled near last and after making a move 600m from home he failed to flatter at the business end of the race.

Keating has only held his solo trainer's licence for six months and this was his second winner, with his first Epic Song, also owned and bred by Hall.

"Everything is going along OK, and it was great to get a win from this mare because she is better than a low ratings race at Longford, but she was out of the ballot, so this was the best way to get her back in the game," Keating said.

"The mare had a few little issues that we had to iron out and we went back to basics regarding her gear, and it's worked out well."

Keating praised the team at his stable that comprises his life partner, Brooke Hanham who has just become apprenticed to Longford trainer John Blacker, Jackson Radley and Brittany Wadley.

"We have about 10 here being pre-trained and half-a-dozen racing, so that's enough to keep us busy."

Keating is excited about the prospects of Epic Song that gave him his first training triumph.

"Epic Song is going great, and he will back racing soon and the $75,000 3YO Classic on Launceston Cup Day is his main goal."

Epic Song has had only four starts for two wins and two minor placings with her latest win back in early November when she defeated the Adam Trinder-trained Summer Fire that has since gone on and won two more.


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