3 minute read
Doyle is the star of the show again.
The second running of the Miners Rest Cup (1400m) took place on King Island on Saturday, and it was the case of Déjà vu with Thomas Doyle, Robert Keys and McEvoy Mitchell Racing combining to win the race again when $3.50 chance Wholesome scored by the narrowest of margins.
Doyle positioned the four-year-old daughter of Reliable Man behind the leader before working into clear racing room, rounding the final bend.
Wholesome put up a great battle with Mayoral Privileges ($7) over the concluding stages with only a nose between them at the finish, with the $1.85 favourite Southern Jewel, who was well found by the handicapper, peaking on the run late to finish third.
The race then momentarily went to the steward's room with connections of Mayoral Privileges exercising their right to review the steward's patrol films and photo finish, subsequently being satisfied with the result and delaying Doyles post-race shoey.
"It's great to go back-to-back. It's a great effort by Kodge (Robert Keys) to get this mare fresh enough to get her to run over the 1400m; I know he has had her in the open to keep her fresh and to keep her healthy, and he got her just right for today," said Doyle post-race.
Trainer Robert Keys was naturally delighted with the result. Although he appreciates the Miners Rest Cup concept, he still has concerns about the future of racing on the Island with the ageing population.
"I only ever desired to win a race on King Island, so to win this one and to win it twice, there's only been two in the world, and we have got two of them.
"It (the Miners Rest group) has brought a big crowd, and I appreciate all the people that participate in it and send the money across, but I think it's still a bit of a stock gap.
"It's an ageing community, and I would like to see it continue, but I can't see it happening," the trainer said post-race.
Several King Island sporting groups were allocated a horse for the race, with the Currie Football Club drawing the winner and collecting $8,000.
The King Island season finishes on Saturday for Southern Airlines Fly In day.
