...and the Second Winner was ...

Tatters (3 f Tavistock - Rattle, by Stravinsky) drew a huge roar from her excited owners when saluting in the Skycity Hamilton Waikato Cup Day 12^th December Maiden 1200 metres on 9 September at Te Rapa.

N V Burnside, Mrs P I & P K Coleman, K W Dare, C T Grammer, O R Henderson, T C J Kearns, R A McPhee, J C Price, W J Taylor, The Lake Syndicate & Mrs S Theobald share in the ownership of the beautifully natured filly, and for Peter and Pauline Coleman the win was made more special as their son, Michael Coleman, was the successful rider.

“I love winning races anyway but some close friends own the filly and I'm very happy to win a race for them,” said co-trainer Stephen Autridge.

Asked if she is a progressive filly, capable of attaining black type, Autridge said: “I'd like to think so and there's no reason why not. She's always done things right and a couple of thirds that she had earlier on, there was a bit of merit there.

“She is a Tavistock, so I don't know about her going on really firm ground but we should have ideal tracks up to November/December,” he said.

Although three wide near the pace, Tatters travelled under a nice hold for Coleman and after quickening to a narrow advantage at the 250 metres she hung tough to deny any challengers.

“I trialled her up a couple of times last season and she showed a bit,” said Coleman. Although I was stuck out a little bit, she travelled well in the better ground and once she was balanced she fought really hard. I thought she might be overtaken at the hundred but when she felt the challenge she found another half-length and held them out. So it was a good, brave effort.

“Mum and Dad have a got a share in that one, so it was nice”, he added.

“We had the right person on, didn't we?” said proud mum Pauline Coleman.

“I don't give him any riding instructions. I don't say a thing. It's a bit special to have your son ride your horse - pretty special. She's a beautiful filly. Cameron (Lammas) has ridden the last couple of times but he's suspended, so it allowed Michael on.

“I don't bet a lot but I won't bet against him, so it worked out well”, she said.

Tatters had already shown an inkling that she could be a touch above average, in her four previous starts. Prior to a break in May, she came from well back with a big finish for third to High Class (Shocking) over 1200 metres on slow ground at Avondale. And after resuming there off 98 days on ground too heavy for her, she was ready to win twenty-six days later.

Picture credit - www.raceimages.co.nz