3 minute read

Former star juvenile Turk Warrior returned to his brilliant best to win the inaugural $109,000 Ladbrokes Carpet Charge over 1009 metres in Devonport on Wednesday.

In Brief

• Turk finds best form to win hot sprint.
• Charge field worthy of a Newmarket.
• Rosebery Athletic Club reaps reward for drawing Turk Warrior.

The Glenn Stevenson-trained gelding hadn't won for almost a year since taking out the Carbine Club Plate on Derby Day in Hobart last year.

But a decent spell and careful preparation by his trainer and stable rider Ismail Toker proved too strong a combination in a race that is sure to be a prime target by trainers moving forward.

Turk Warrior showed brilliant early speed to lead but it was short-lived when outsider Liffeybeau sped across the field to take up the running with Toker happy to take a trail.

Liffeybeau ($26) slipped three lengths clear turning for home with Dianne Parish aboard and connections were starting to count the cash but that's when Turk Warrior dug deep.

Stevenson's star sprinter charged to the lead and when seriously challenged at the business end of the race he refused to wilt and held a long neck winning margin over Emily on the line with Liffeybeau hanging on for third just in advance of Julius.

"After the Newmarket we changed direction and focused on this race when it was introduced to the Devonport Cup Day program," Stevenson said.

"I know he hasn't won for nearly a year, but he's had a handful of starts and been very competitive and his fourth in the Newmarket was a massive run.

"Not sure where we go from here, but we'll have a decent look at the calendar and go from there."

Toker was elated and admitted it was probably the gelding's best win.

"Today he was very courageous because he did the hard work early and when he had to be strong at the end, he was," Toker said.

Turk Warrior is owned by Seyit Basol who also was elated and quite emotional about the win.

"Winning the first running of this race is very special," Basol said.

"Everyone knows what this horse means to me and for him to win like he did showing so much courage gives me a very special feeling inside."

The race proved to be a hit with trainers and the concept a winner for sporting clubs in the region.

Sporting clubs on the North-West Coast were invited to register with Tasracing to go into a draw that would see 12 of them (clubs) draw a runner in the race (12) from which one would win $10,000 and prizemoney would also befall the remaining clubs that drew a horse.

The Devonport Racing Club then invited 10 representatives from each club to the event to watch the race and those who ventured trackside from the Rosebery Athletics Club were rewarded with the $10,000 prize courtesy of drawing Turk Warrior.

The event was a huge success and will be a much sought-after prize for trainers and sporting clubs moving forward.