3 minute read

Tyler Schiller has celebrated his birthday by landing the biggest win of his career aboard Front Page in The Kosciuszko.

After two years of Kosciuszko heartbreak, trainer Geoff Duryea and the owners of Front Page finally got the horse to the race and this time fortune smiled on them as the Corowa sprinter ran his rivals ragged in the $2 million showpiece. 

Two years ago, Front Page was scratched on the morning of the Kosciuszko after injuring himself on the float on his way to Randwick, then 12 months ago he was struck down by a tendon injury that ruled him out of the race three days before it was run. 

But on Saturday at Randwick, there were no such hiccups and Front Page showed what he could do. 

"The first time was just a freak accident, the second time, there was nothing you could do about it," Duryea said. 

"But he's done the right thing this time, he's had a perfect preparation. 

"I couldn't ask for anymore." 

As he did when winning the Wagga Town Plate aboard the six-year-old in May, Schiller judged the pace astutely, dictating throughout on Front Page ($6) to hold Far Too Easy ($4.60 fav) at bay by three-quarters of a length with another 1-1/4 lengths off to Fender ($19). 

It was the crowning moment of the young rider's burgeoning career and came on the day he celebrated his 24th birthday. 

"I'm more excited for Geoff and the owners. He's a super horse and he's had so many troubles, but he just keeps overcoming them. Today he's shown how good he is," Schiller said. 

"I knew when I got to the front I was going to be vulnerable but he kicked really strongly and every time I kept hitting him, he kept finding. 

"Geoff has given me two of my biggest wins now, the Wagga Town Plate and the Kosciuszko." 

Jockey James Orman said favourite Far Too Easy tried his heart out but got too far back and was unable to reel in the winner. 

"He travelled well but the leader gave a good kick on the corner and we had to make up too much ground," Orman said.

FRONT PAGE WINS THE KOSCIUSZKO!@G1TySchil @DuryeaRacing pic.twitter.com/MojqurHbOp

— 7HorseRacing (@7horseracing) October 15, 2022