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Geegee delivers emotional win

3 minute read

Geegees Gemstone delivers a win for late owner.

Trainer : SCOTT BRUNTON.
Trainer : SCOTT BRUNTON. Picture: Steve Hart

While there has been hundreds of winners over the years carrying the Geegees moniker and the famous purple and green colours, none would have been more special than the win by Geegees Gemstone ($2.70 fav) in Hobart on Sunday.

Just two days after the passing of Paul Geard, the man behind the Geegees dynasty, his lightly raced 3YO put up a brave performance to win by a short-half-head in the opening race on the program.

Trainer Stuart Gandy was too emotional to speak after the race and it was left to jockey Siggy Carr, who has enjoyed plenty of success over the years with the Geegee horses, to express her feelings.

"It's just so special to ride this winner today for Paul. Paul was fantastic to me, and he will be dearly missed," a tearful Carr said after dismounting.

Geard and his wife Libby have raced hundreds of horses over the years and won just about every major race on the Tasmanian calendar. Their best horse was Geegees Blackflash who amassed almost $1.2million in prize money from 22 wins, all in Tasmania, including two Hobart Cups, the Tasmanian Derby, the Newmarket Handicap and just about every major WFA race.

Big effort from Verbano


Verbano ($4.40 into $3.40) is likely to spend the winter racing in Melbourne after her narrow but impressive win, beating the $2.60 favourite Thelma in the Ladbrokes Mates Mode Class 3 (1200m).

Despite being three-wide for the trip, Verbano kept coming and showed great courage to win in a photo finish.

"She wasn't right early in her prep, I've actually got a fair bit of time for her as a horse.

"She'll probably head back over the water to Melbourne with Paddy Payne, she's a good wet tracker and there's plenty of mares races for her at this time of the year. She'll have a little let-up and then head over to Melbourne," trainer Scott Brunton told TasracingTV.

Verbano has now raced 14 times for four wins and three minor placings.

Brunton also confirmed that he is contemplating a trip to Brisbane for the Group One Stradbroke Hcp over 1400m in June with his stable star The Inevitable who has pulled up well after a slashing third placing in last weeks $5m All-Star Mile at Moonee Valley.

The premiership trainer then made it a race-to-race double when the heavily backed Freak On A Lead ($26 into $11) led all the way to win the Kevin Sharkie BM68 (1430m).

Money was spot on

Debutant Not Rich Enuff gave favourite backers a fright when he jumped in the air and missed the start in the Winning Edge Presentations Maiden (1100m).

Backed from $4.80 to start $3, Not Rich Enuff settled second last but worked his way through the field to win impressively from Volkonovski and Elmajay.

The 4YO hadn't been seen since winning a trial at Devonport in June 2021.

"He smashed his eye and fractured his eye socket and he's been in the paddock for two years on and off, so it's just great to win with him today," trainer Sarah Cotton explained after the race.

Brunton took the training honours with his double while jockey Brendon Mccoull finished the day with two winners from four rides.


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