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A tearful Leanne Gaffney was truly delighted and explained how her mare Vokes ($16) had defied death before winning the Stables at Spreyton BM60 in Devonport on Sunday.
The trainer was full of praise for the 4YO who led all the way in the 1150m dash, winning by 1 length from stablemate Aragon Star ($3.60 fav) with Volkonovski ($17) a half head away in third.
"One vet said to put her down and to get her here, we've had lots of problems, we've had people pull out of the syndicate, but I just believed in her so much and to have her come out today and to have her back is just unbelievable," Leanne Gaffney said after the race.
The win robbed apprentice Rocky Morimoto of the chance to ride his career-first winner. Morimoto was stood down from riding after taking a tumble from Rafael's Raid in the previous event and was replaced by Siggy Carr.
After the incident, stewards declared the fourth event a no-race, which saw Rafael's Raid head back towards the oncoming field after dislodging Morimoto.
Fortunately, the other riders were alerted and pulled up their mounts near the 400m mark. Rafael's Raid was caught by the clerk of the course just prior to the winning post with no harm done.
Stewards reported that; 'Near the 1200m mark, Rafael's Raid shied and shifted out abruptly, dislodging its rider. In the interests of safety, the Jockeys desisted from riding their respective mounts out, and the race was declared void.'
Jordan rules on Diva
Former premiership winner Codi Jordan was back in the winner's circle, her first win since returning to Tasmania after short stints in Victoria and South Australia.
Jordan was aboard Daquiri Diva ($2.15 fav) for her old boss Glenn Stevenson in the Kevin Sharkie Maiden (1350m). The mare was having just her second run for the stable since transferring from Victoria and put up a strong performance to sit wide all the way and win nicely.
"She travelled really well, but just when you get her off the bit, she's a bit unaware of what she's got to do to quicken and lengthen, but I think she will learn a lot from today and progress forward," Jordan said.
Kelvin Sanderson took riding honours for the day with a treble on what turned out to be a seven-race card.
He rode the heavily backed Chicane ($1.50 fav), who was very impressive winning by almost three lengths in the Tasmanian Horse Transport Class 1 (1350m). Macs Relaxed($2.40 fav) continued on his winning way with a last-stride win in the Dean Rawlings Snr Memorial (1880m), and Sanderson rounded out the day aboard Coup De Spry ($12) who finished powerfully to win the Thai Imperial Class 2 (1650m).
Michael Trinder and Leanne Gaffney shared training honours with winning doubles.
